Terms of Reference

2015 Maritimes Research Vessel Survey Trends on Georges Bank

Regional Science Response Process – Maritimes Region

November 30, 2015
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Chairperson: Lottie Bennett

Context

Although all groundfish stocks cannot be assessed each year, it is important to provide annual updates on trends of the stocks to highlight any potential areas of concern. The information will be used by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Resource Management as background for discussions with various industry stakeholders on recommendations for management measures, as well as determining which stocks will be requested to be reviewed in more detail with a full assessment in the following year.

The last update of Maritimes Research Vessel (RV) Survey Trends on Georges Bank was completed in 2014 (DFO 2014).

Objectives

Review and evaluate information obtained from the DFO RV Surveys on the Georges Bank, within Strata 5Z1-5Z4, for Atlantic Cod, Haddock and Yellowtail Flounder, as well as for the following stocks that will not undergo a formal assessment in 2015/2016.

These stocks include:

• Pollock
• White Hake
• Smooth Skate
• Thorny Skate
• Barndoor Skate
• Winter Skate
• Little Skate

In particular, provide information on distribution, biomass estimates, and length composition, highlighting any trends over the long-term (duration of RV survey), mid-term (past 15 years) and most recent period (5 years).

Expected Publication

• Science Advisory Report

Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Resource Management

Reference

DFO. 2014. Maritimes Research Vessel Survey Trends on Georges Bank. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Resp. 2014/018.