Terms of Reference

Maritimes Research Vessel Survey Trends on Georges Bank

Regional Science Response Process – Maritimes Region

June 29, 2018
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Chairperson: Jennifer Ford

Context

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has conducted Winter Research Vessel (RV) Surveys in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Area 5Z (i.e., Georges Bank) using a standardized protocol since 1987. Results of these surveys provide information on trends in abundance for many groundfish species in the DFO Maritimes Region. The survey information will be used by DFO as background for discussions with various industry stakeholders on recommendations for management measures, and may be used to prioritize requests for advice in 2019/2020.  The last update on Maritimes Research Vessel Survey Trends on Georges Bank was completed in June 2017 (DFO 2017).

Objective

The objective of this regional science response process is to review and evaluate information obtained from the DFO Research Vessel (RV) Survey on Georges Bank in Strata 5Z1-5Z4 for Atlantic Cod, Haddock and Yellowtail Flounder, as well as the stocks listed below. In particular, update the RV survey trends document to include survey data for 2017 and provide information on distribution, biomass estimates, and length composition, as well as identify any trends over the long-term (duration of RV survey) and the recent time period (three years).

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

Expected Publications

• Science Response

Expected Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Resource Management

References

DFO. 2017. 2017 Maritimes Research Vessel Survey Trends on Georges Bank. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Resp. 2017/035.