Research Document - 2005/072

Year Eight of the NAFO Subdivision 3Ps Fall GEAC Surveys: Catch Results for Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua), American Plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides F.), Witch Flounder (Glyptocephalus cynoglossus L.), and Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus)

By McClintock, J.

Abstract

To enhance the fisheries research database in NAFO Division 3Ps, the Groundfish Enterprise Allocation Council (GEAC) has funded surveys each fall from 1997 to 2004 directed at groundfish, with specific interest in cod, American plaice, witch flounder, and haddock. In this analysis, catch statistics, length and age distribution, and stratified analysis estimates of biomass, including age distribution estimates, and interpretation of results are presented. These results have also been presented annually during the regular Regional Stock Assessment Meetings (RAP) in St. John’s.

There was a noticeable lack of large cod catches in the 2004 survey which in turn yielded a total abundance estimate of 6.6 million cod, and a total biomass estimate of 23 ktonnes: the lowest estimates of the eight year survey. Plaice catch numbers and weights were down slightly from 2003 but were comparable to 2002. The abundance estimate of 23.1 million was down 10% from that in 2003, while the biomass estimate of 19 ktonnes was down 25% from 2003. Witch catch numbers and weights were down slightly from 2003 but remained comparable to the 2002 values. The estimated abundance of 5 million was down 28% from the 2003 estimate of 7.1 million, and the estimated biomass of 2.6 ktonnes was down 14% from the 2003 estimate of 3 ktonnes. Finally, haddock catch numbers and weights were down from 2003 by a factor of two to three. The abundance estimate of 1.2 million haddock and biomass estimate of 2.3 ktonnes were the lowest estimates since 1999.

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