Research Document - 2010/047

Mapping the distribution of deep-sea corals in the Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence using both scientific and local ecological knowledge

By E. Colpron, E. Edinger, and B. Neis

Abstract

While over 50 species of deep-sea coral have been identified in Atlantic Canada, little is known about the corals found in the waters off the west coast of Newfoundland and in the Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence in general. This study uses three sources of information to identify coral species found in the Northern Gulf and to map their distribution. DFO groundfish survey records from the Gulf were combined with fisheries observer records of coral bycatch. Interviews were then conducted with 28 west coast Newfoundland fishermen to determine which species of deep-sea coral they have seen come up in their gear. All 3 data sources confirm that nephtheid soft corals are common in the Northern Gulf. DFO trawl surveys and fishermen interviews both found sea pens to be common in the deep channels present in the Northern Gulf (Anticosti and Esquiman Channels). Large gorgonians are missing from the DFO trawl survey and observer records, but, Primnoa resedaeformis, Keratoisis ornata and Acanthogorgia armata were reported as being present in the Northern Gulf from fishermen interviews. Fishermen observed large gorgonians in longline gear which was likely deployed on rocky bottoms which may not be able to be sampled by the DFO trawl survey program. Fishermen described an association between high bycatch of sea pens and high catch rates of shrimp, cod and Atlantic halibut.

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