Research Document - 2003/010

Scallop Production Areas in the Bay of Fundy and Scallop Fishing Area 29 in 2002: Stock status and forecast

By Smith, S.J., Lundy, M.J., Roddick, D., Pezzack, D. and Frail, C.

Abstract

This document reviews the status of scallop stocks in Scallop Production Areas (SPA) 1, 3 to 6 (Bay of Fundy and Approaches) and in a limited portion of Scallop Fishing Area (SFA) 29 off of southwest Nova Scotia for 2001/2002 with advice for 2002/2003. The biomass dynamic model and risk analysis indicates that 1200 t could be removed by the fishery from the 8-16 mile Digby Area in SPA 1 in 2002/2003. In the rest of SPA 1 the population has not increased to the same extent as in the 8-16 mile Digby Area. The recruitment on the Upper Bay line could support a modest increase from the 2002 total allowable catch (TAC) for the Mid and Upper Bay areas of SPA 1. The 2002 research vessel survey of SPA 3 indicated an increase in the biomass of commercial-size scallops from 2001, although estimates from this survey are highly variable. The 1999 year-class is below average in biomass and any increases in biomass for commercial size scallops in 2003 are expected to be mainly due to growth. Increases in biomass in SPA 3 due to growth may be minimal if natural mortality remains as high as observed in 2002. The biomass dynamic model and risk analysis indicates that 1200 t could be removed from SPA 4 in 2002/2003. Concerns about large increases in natural mortality as occurred in 1989/1990, are continuing to be addressed by a joint monitoring program conducted with industry. To date the mortality rate continues to be low. In SPA 5, research vessel survey estimates indicate that the stock is healthy with two strong year-classes expected to recruit in 2003 and 2004. Continuation of the 10 t TAC for 2002/2003 is advisable until these year classes are fully recruited to the fishery. The 2002 research vessel survey showed little sign of recruitment in SPA 6. The high incidence of clappers (empty paired shells) seen in the Duck Island Sound area in the 2000 and 2001 surveys were not observed in 2002. Catch rates are expected to continue to decline for the next few years. For the second year, a fishery was conducted in the western portion of Scallop Fishing Area 29. In 2002, the TAC was shared between the Full Bay Fleet and a limited number of inshore east of Baccaro licences. Based on a joint industry/DFO post-season survey, a reduction in TAC was recommended for areas A and C in 2003. The TAC for 2003 for Area B can remain at the 2002 level of 200 t. Area D should remain closed for 2003. Bycatch of lobster in this area in 2002 was low but it was not clear what impacts the scallop fishery may have had on the lobster population.

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