Research Document - 2002/130
A review of Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) monitoring surveys in Hecate Strait, March - July 2002.
By Sinclair, A., and Workman, G.
Abstract
A stratified random bottom trawl survey has been designed and implemented to monitor changes in the abundance of Pacific cod in the Hecate Strait area in collaboration between the Canadian Groundfish Research and Conservation Society (CGRCS) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). The survey focuses on areas of known Pacific cod distribution and consists of 5 monthly sampling trips between March and July. The first full set of surveys was conducted in 2002. The initial results are encouraging. The survey met expectations for variance of the population index with a coefficient of variation of 20%. If this can be met in future surveys, there is a good chance the survey will detect changes in population abundance of a magnitude necessary for management. The size frequency data collected were consistent with previous observations of the stock. Juvenile fish were found primarily on the Shell Ground area where they had been reported in the past. Adult fish were found in the other main areas. This suggests that it should be possible to monitor the movement of relatively strong year-classes through the population as they recruit.
Accessibility Notice
This document is available in PDF format. If the document is not accessible to you, please contact the Secretariat to obtain another appropriate format, such as regular print, large print, Braille or audio version.
- Date modified: