Terms of Reference

Review of Scallop Fishery Closure to Protect Cod Spawning Aggregations on Georges Bank in 2015

Regional Science Response Process – Maritimes Region

January 20, 2015
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Chairperson: Andrew Newbould

Context

The requirement to account for all fishing mortality of Georges Bank cod (Gadus morhua) in Canada has led to efforts by the offshore scallop fishery to reduce cod bycatch (DFO, 2014). Along with active avoidance protocols adopted by the offshore scallop fleet, DFO has implemented area/time closures from early February to the end of March since 2005 in order to reduce bycatch and minimize disturbance to spawning aggregations of cod by the offshore scallop fishery on Georges Bank.

Objectives

The objective of the Science Response Process is to provide science advice on the following question:

What does a review of 5Z cod distribution, particularly at spawning time, reveal about the spatial and temporal trends of the species and its overlap with the offshore scallop fishery? Highlight areas of high 5Z cod distribution using the cells which have already been defined and used in previous years.

Expected Publication

• Science Response

Participation

• DFO Science, Maritimes Region  
• DFO FAM, Maritimes Region  

References

DFO. 2014. Scallop Fishery Area/Time Closure to Protect Cod Spawning Aggregations in 5Z  (Georges Bank). DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Resp. 2014/023.