Research Document - 2006/096

Data update on the Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus L.) fishery covered by the Nova Scotia Observer Program (1977-2005)

By F. Grégoire

Abstract

Fishing activities by foreign and Canadian vessels on the Scotian Shelf and Georges Bank have been covered since 1977 by the Nova Scotia Observers Program. The mackerel catch data collected under this program has been updated and analyzed based on country of origin, the area fished, month, depth and fishing gear used. The length and orientation of sets have also been examined, as well as the length frequency distribution for the sampled catches. Results show that the most significant mackerel catches were made in the early 1990s, on the edge of the continental shelf, between April and June. Mackerel have also been caught in other months, suggesting their presence throughout the year on the Scotian Shelf. The same dominant year-classes recorded in the Canadian commercial fishery have been observed in the catches made by foreign vessels. At times, smaller size mackerel were caught by some of these vessels. It was not possible to define any clear mackerel migration and distribution pattern on the Scotian Shelf based on the data provided by the observers because the fishing activities of foreign vessels were concentrated only on the edge of the continental shelf and that several other species were the target of this fishery.

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