Terms of Reference

Stock Status Update of Scallop in Scallop Fishing Area (SFA) 29 West of 65°30’

Regional Science Response Process – Maritimes Region

March 23, 2022
Virtual Meeting

Chairperson: Rabindra Singh

Context

The Scallop fishery in Scallop Fishing Area (SFA) 29 west of longitude 65°30’ has taken place since 2001. The Full Bay Scallop fleet was the sole participant in 2001. Starting in 2002, the total allowable catch (TAC) was shared between the Full Bay fleet and a limited number of inshore East of Baccaro licence holders who are eligible to fish in SFA 29 West. As of 2010, the TAC and landings are reported as totals by subarea for both fleets combined. The last full stock assessment of the fishery was completed in March 2015 (DFO 2015).  The last stock status update was completed in 2020 (DFO 2021).

In support of the Scallop fishery for SFA 29 west of longitude 65°30’, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Maritimes Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Branch has asked Science Branch for an assessment of resource status and the consequences of various harvest levels for the coming fishing season.

Objectives

• Provide an update on the status of SFA 29 west of 65°30’ Scallop stocks by subarea in 2021 in relation to established reference points where available.
• Evaluate bycatch of lobster during the 2021 fishery. Identify all information on fishery by-catch of non-target species that may be available and, if available, identify any notable changes in occurrence of bycatch species relative to previous years.
• Evaluate the consequences of different harvest levels by subarea for the 2022 fishery on stock abundance and exploitation rate in relation to established reference points where available.

Expected Publication

• Science Response

Expected Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management

References

• DFO. 2015. Assessment of Scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) in Scallop Fishing Area (SFA) 29 West of Longitude 65°30’W. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2015/035.
• DFO. 2020. Stock Status Update for Scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) in Scallop Fishing Area 29 West of Longitude 65°30’. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Resp. 2020/046.