The Grand Banks of Newfoundland: Atlas of Human Activities

Oceans Division
Oceans and Habitat Management Branch
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Newfoundland and Labrador Region)

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2007

All rights reserved. No part of this information (publication or product) may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or stored in a retrieval system, without prior written permission of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 2007, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0S5 or at Copyright.Droitdauteur@communication.gc.ca.

Cat. No.

Fs114-7/2007
Fs114-7/2007E-PDF
Fs114-7/2007F-PDF

ISBN

978-0-662-49898-8
978-0-662-45273-7 (English PDF)
978-0-662-73641-7 (French PDF)

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Fisheries and Oceans Canada

DFO/2007-1238

Published by:
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador Region
Communications Branch and
Oceans Division, Oceans and Habitat Management Branch
PO Box 5667
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Printed on recycled paper

Acknowledgements

This atlas was co-edited by Jason Simms, Charlene Coates, Geoff Coughlan and Dawn Mercer. Maps were created by Charlene Coates and writing was completed by Geoff Coughlan and Charlene Coates.

Authors would like to sincerely thank the following individuals who kindly shared their knowledge or provided data on various aspects of the Atlas of Human Activities, as well as those that took part in the review process: Susan Gover, Dave Hawkins and Lewis Manual from the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board; Neil Peet and Brian Stone from the Canadian Coast Guard, Newfoundland and Labrador Region; Kirk Regular from Digeos; Scott Lewis and Rick Wadman from Environment Canada; LCdr R. G. Thwaites and Lt (N) Jay Warwick from National Defence; and Louis Armstrong from Transport Canada.

Authors would also like to thank the following staff of Fisheries and Oceans Canada who shared data and advice as well as took part in the review process: Chris Annand, Heather Bishop, Tony Bowdring, Rick Boyce, Heather Breeze, Bill Brodie, Noel Cadigan, Eugene Colbourne, Keith Clarke, Brian Dempson, Glen Herbert, Sean Hinds, Tracey Horseman, Leonard Knight, Morley Knight, Dave Kulka, Roger Menard, Dave Millar, Neil Ollerhead, Mike O’Connell, Richard Palmer, Ann-Marie Russell, Sandra Savory, Murray Scotney, Andrew Smith, Gary Smith, Blair Thorne, Elaine Walker, Ben Whelan and Larry Yetman.

Groundfish Landings In The Newfoundland And Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

Groundfish landed in Newfoundland and Labrador by Canadian vessels (2000 – 2003) from the study area were associated with directed (quota) fisheries for NAFO Division 3KLMN Greenland halibut (turbot), 3LNO yellowtail flounder, 3O, 3Ps and 3Pn redfish, 3Ps and 3Pn Atlantic cod, 3LNO skate, 4VWX3NOPs Atlantic halibut, and 3Ps witch flounder. In addition to landings of species under quota, the following were either taken as by-catch or as part of non-quota fisheries: Atlantic cod in 3L and 3NO, redfish in 3LN, witch flounder in 3L and 3NO, American plaice in 3LNO and 3Ps, 3LNOPs white hake, Greenland halibut in 3Ps, monkfish in 3NO and 3Ps, pollock in 3O and 3Ps, wolffish (catfish) in 3LNO and 3Ps, haddock in 3NO and 3Ps and roughhead grenadier in 3L and 3O.

Based on logbook data, 2000 – 2003 groundfish landings from the study area were primarily taken from the following areas: the southwest slope of the Grand Bank extending northwest to the St. Pierre Bank, Burgeo Bank and Laurentian Channel, the shelf area of the Grand Bank, and the slope area to the north of the Grand Bank. Total groundfish landings (directed and by-catch) in each of the four years are as follows:

• 2000 – 27,950t
• 2001 – 32,670t
• 2002 – 29,850t
• 2003 – 31,930t

Of these landings a total of approximately 18,040t was reported as by-catch.

The majority of logbook entries indicated use of bottom otter trawl gear followed by gillnet, and longline. Lesser effort was directed using Scottish seine and mid-water trawl. Approximate annual average landings by gear type from 2000 – 2003 include: otter trawl – 21,700t, gillnet – 5,830t, longline – 1,610t, mid-water trawl – 780t and Scottish seine – 660t. Smaller amounts of groundfish (annual average less than 30t) were landed using a variety of other gear types such as baited hand lines, Danish seines, shrimp trawls, pots, etc.

The majority of groundfish (directed and by-catch) landed in Newfoundland and Labrador, from the study area, were from vessels over 100 feet in length, followed by 35 - 65 footers, 65 – 99 footers, and a fewer number of vessels less than 35 feet in length.

Groundfish Landings by Bottom Otter Trawl (2000 – 2003)

The main directed fisheries using otter trawl in the study area targeted yellowtail flounder, redfish, Greenland halibut and skate. Cod was targeted by otter trawl to a lesser degree in 3Ps and by-catch of American plaice and cod was noteworthy in some otter trawl fisheries. Based on logbook data, average annual landings (directed and by-catch) of dominant species over the four year time period are as follows:

• Yellowtail flounder – 11,040t
• Redfish – 4,610t
• Cod – 2,090t
• American plaice – 1,530t
• Greenland halibut – 950t

Landings by otter trawl were distributed throughout the study area including the slope near the 3KL boundary, the shelf area and southwest slope of the Grand Bank and Whale Bank, south of Halibut Channel, Haddock Channel, Green Bank and St. Pierre Bank, the shelf area of St. Pierre Bank, and the Laurentian and Hermitage Channels.

Groundfish Landings by Gillnet (2000 - 2003)

The main directed fisheries using gillnet in the study area targeted cod, monkfish, Greenland halibut, skate and white hake. Based on logbook data, average annual landings (directed and by-catch) of dominant species over the four year time period are as follows:

• Cod – 2,050t
• Monkfish – 1,320t
• Greenland halibut – 1,130t
• Skate – 540t
• White hake – 350t

Landings by gillnet in the study area were primarily taken from north of the Grand Bank in 3L, the southwest slope of the Grand Bank and Whale Bank, the southern portions of Halibut and Haddock Channels, the shelf area of the St. Pierre Bank, Burgeo Bank and the Hermitage Channel.

Groundfish Landings by Longline (2000 – 2003)

The main directed fisheries using longline in the study area targeted cod, skate, white hake and halibut. Haddock also appeared as a substantial by-catch in longline fisheries. Based on logbook data, average annual landings (directed and by-catch) of dominant species over the four year time period are as follows:

• Cod – 580t
• White hake – 350t
• Skate – 320t
• Halibut – 120t
• Haddock – 110t

Landings by longline in the study area were primarily taken from along the southwest slope of the Grand Bank and Whale Bank, the southern portions of Halibut and Haddock Channels as well as the shelf areas of St. Pierre and Burgeo Banks. Some landings were also taken from the shelf area of the Whale Bank and Grand Bank, as well as the Nose and Tail of the Grand Bank.

Groundfish Landings by Scottish Seine (2000 – 2003)

The main directed fisheries using Scottish seine in the study area targeted cod and yellowtail flounder. American plaice also appeared as the most significant by-catch in Scottish seine fisheries. Based on logbook data, average annual landings (directed and by-catch) of dominant species over the four year time period are as follows:

• Cod – 500t
• Yellowtail flounder – 120t
• American plaice – 40t

Landings by Scottish seine in the study area were taken from the Grand Bank, the St. Pierre Bank and the southern portion of Halibut Channel.

Groundfish Landings by Mid-Water Trawl (2000 – 2003)

The main directed fishery using mid-water trawl in the study area primarily targeted redfish. Based on logbook data, average annual landings of redfish over the four year time period was 770t. In addition to redfish, species such as cod, white hake, pollock and Greenland halibut were taken (in relatively small amounts) as by-catch.

Landings by mid-water trawl in the study area were primarily taken from the Laurentian and Hermitage Channels.

Greenland Halibut Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

What started as a deepwater bay fishery in the 1960s, the Greenland halibut (turbot) fishery is now focused offshore in areas along the continental slope. In recent years, the majority of Newfoundland and Labrador Greenland halibut landings have been taken from the northern portion of the study area in Division 3K. However, fisheries for this species are prosecuted within the management area.

Newfoundland and Labrador 2000 – 2003 Greenland halibut landings from the study area were taken from the slope area to the north of the Grand Bank, the southwest slope of the Grand Bank and Whale Bank and from the Laurentian Channel. Based on logbook data, highest landings were taken from the northern slope area near the 3K/3L boundary. Landings from 3LNO averaged approximately 2,300t per year with a high of 3,500t in 2000 and a low of 1,200t in 2003 (Brodie and Power 2004).

Gillnet was the dominant gear type in this fishery from 2000 - 2002 followed by otter trawl and minimal longline catches (Brodie and Power 2004). In 2003 however, the majority of catch was taken by otter trawl from the northern slope area near the 3K/3L boundary. June to August was the key period for Greenland halibut landings. Gillnet mesh size can be no less than 190 millimetres and minimum codend mesh size in otter trawl fisheries has been set at 145 millimetres (Brodie and Power 2004).

By-catches of cod and snow crab have been evident in gillnet fisheries and American plaice and witch flounder are common by-catches in otter trawl fisheries. Greenland halibut are taken as by-catch in Canadian shrimp fisheries (Brodie and Power 2004).

Brodie, W.B. and D. Power. 2004. The Canadian Fishery for Greenland Halibut in Subarea 2 + Divisions 3KLMNO, with Emphasis on 2003. NAFO SCR Doc. 04/33. Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization.

Yellowtail Flounder Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

The yellowtail flounder fishery in division 3LNO began in the early 1960s following a drastic decline in haddock stocks (Brodie et al. 2004). Until 1994, yellowtail flounder was targeted as part of a mixed fishery along with cod and American plaice. The directed fishery for yellowtail flounder was closed from 1994 to 1998 following stock decline. The stock recovered and the fishery reopened in 1998 with careful consideration of reducing by-catches of cod and American plaice for which fisheries remain closed. Canada is allocated 97.5 percent of the 3LNO yellowtail flounder quota of which Fishery Products International (FPI) receives 90 percent (Brodie et al. 2004). The total allowable catch (TAC) was set at 10,000t in 2000, 13,000t in 2001 and 2002, and 14,500t in 2003.

The fishery is located on the Grand Bank in water depths between 50 and 70 metres (Kulka 2002). According to logbook data, the majority of catches came from north and west of the Southeast Shoal in 3N as well as an area in 3O just east of 52^oW longitude. Division 3LNO landings from 2000 – 2003 averaged approximately 11,000t per year. A high of 12,740t was landed in 2003 and a low of 9,550t was landed in 2000 which corresponded to TAC levels. In addition to 3LNO landings, by-catches of yellowtail flounder were taken from the St. Pierre Bank and Laurentian and Halibut Channels in 3Ps.

Otter trawl is the dominant gear associated with this fishery and some small catches are taken by seine. Most fishing effort has occurred in April, May, October and November (Kulka 2002), but catches are landed in all months of the year. Peak landings have occurred in October (Brodie et al. 2004).

Conservation measures implemented in association with the yellowtail flounder fishery include: minimum mesh size, by-catch protocols, use of sorter grates, minimum fish size, 100 percent observer coverage, dockside monitoring, and spawning period closures (Brodie et al. 2004).

Brodie, W.B., D.W. Kulka and D. Power. 2004. The Canadian Fishery for Yellowtail Flounder in NAFO Divisions 3LNO in 2002 and 2003. NAFO SCR Doc. 04/41. Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization.

Kulka, D.W.. 2002. Description of the 2001 Yellowtail Flounder Fishery on the Grand Banks with a Comparison to Past Years. NAFO SCR Doc. 02/73. Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization.

Redfish Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

Redfish fisheries target deep sea redfish and Acadian redfish which share very similar characteristics. Foreign vessels from Portugal, Spain and Russia have traditionally dominated the fisheries in Divisions 3LNO.

The relationship between redfish stocks in Divisions 3LNO is complicated and unclear, but the stocks are managed as separate 3LN and 3O stocks (Vaskov 2004). Since 1993 redfish in 3Ps and 3Pn have been managed as part of redfish management Unit 2 that also includes subdivisions 4Vs and 4Vn (DFO 2004).

The fishery in Division 3LN has been closed since 1998, but by-catch of redfish occurs mainly in the Greenland halibut fishery on the slope area near the 3K/3L boundary. Greatly exceeded total allowable catches (TAC) of redfish in the mid 1980s to mid 1990s preceded a period of declining catches and the eventual moratorium on this species (Power 2003a).

A directed fishery targets 3O redfish and Canadian landings are minimal compared to those taken by foreign vessels. From 2000 – 2003 the Canadian fishery was prosecuted under a TAC of 10,000t. Landings have been far lower than the TAC in recent years and have ranged from 880t in 2000 to 4,550t in 2001. Canadian fisheries have also implemented a small fish protocol and fish less than 22 centimetres in length cannot be retained.

The main period for the fishery is from May to October and otter bottom trawl is the dominant gear employed by Newfoundland and Labrador vessels (Power 2003b). Landings were primarily taken from the southwest slope of the Grand Bank and Whale Bank.

Based on logbook data, redfish landings from 3Ps were taken primarily from the slope area south of the Halibut Channel, Haddock Channel and St. Pierre Bank as well as the Laurentian Channel, Burgeo Bank, St. Pierre Bank and Hermitage Channel. Total landings from 3Ps from 2000 – 2003 were approximately 9,900t and 3Pn landings from the same period were approximately 84t. Landings from 3Ps averaged approximately 2,475t per year with a high of 3,580t in 2000 and a low of 1,660t in 2001. By-catch of cod has been noted in the 3Ps redfish fishery with the highest by-catch rates in the winter and the lowest in summer (Chen 2004). Total Unit 2 landings in 2003 were primarily comprised of the 1980, 1988 and 1994 year classes.

Chen, N.Y.. 2004. Estimates of 3Ps by-catch of cod in otter trawl fishery. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Research Doc. 2004/035.

DFO. 2004. Unit 2 Redfish. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Stock Status Report 2004/016.

Power, D.. 2003a. An Assessment of the Status of the Redfish in NAFO Divisions 3LN. NAFO SCR Doc. 03/55.

Power, D.. 2003b. An Assessment of the Status of the Redfish in NAFO Division 3O. NAFO SCR Doc. 03/63.

Vaskov, A.A.. 2004. On the issue of Redfish Management in Division 3O. NAFO SCR Doc. 04/8. Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization.

Atlantic Cod Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

Four Atlantic cod stocks are located within the study area: 2J3KL “northern cod”, 3NO “Grand Banks cod”, 3Ps “south coast cod” and 3Pn portion of 3Pn/4Rs “northern gulf” cod.

Following stock decline, the 2J3KL cod fishery closed in 1992, but a limited inshore fishery opened in 1998 to target stronger inshore components of the stock. This fishery was closed again in 2003. In 2003, the majority of by-catch of this stock occurred inshore in gillnet fisheries targeting winter flounder in Bonavista and Trinity Bays and offshore by-catch from Canadian trawlers was 3t. Estimated by-catch by foreign trawlers from 2000 - 2002 was 50 – 80t annually (DFO 2004a).

Due to extremely low stock levels the 3NO cod fishery was closed in 1994. Despite the moratorium, total by-catch levels have increased from 170t in 1995 up to over 2000t in 2002. Despite efforts to reduce cod by-catch in Canadian fisheries such as those for yellowtail flounder, Canadian by-catches have ranged from approximately 170t in 2000 to 710t in 2003 and were taken from north and west of the Southeast Shoal and along the southwest slope of the Grand Bank and Whale Bank. By-catch levels are now considered to be impeding stock recovery (Healey et al. 2003).

The 3Ps cod fishery was closed in 1993 and re-opened in 1997 (DFO 2004b). The total allowable catch (TAC) was established at 20,000t in 2000 and 15,000t annually from 2001 – 2003. The quota is split between Canada and France (St. Pierre and Miquelon) with Canada receiving the largest portion. Fixed gear catches are higher than those from mobile gear (i.e. 76.5 percent from fixed in 2003) in the Canadian fishery. According to logbook data, landings from 2000 – 2003 averaged approximately 4,570t per year with a high of 6,780t in 2000 and a low of 3,590t in 2002. Atlantic cod landings from 3Ps were taken mainly from the southern portions of the Halibut Channel and Green Bank, the St. Pierre Bank, Burgeo Bank and the Laurentian and Hermitage Channels. Highest landings were taken mainly from the southern portion of the Halibut Channel and the eastern portion of St. Pierre Bank. Landings in 2003 were comprised largely of the 1997 and 1998 year classes and these are likely to dominate the fishery in the coming years.

Concerns associated with the fishery include potential under-reporting due to the establishment of trip limits and individual quotas, as well as the discarding of small fish in the hook and line fishery. A complex series of time and area closures has been introduced to address concerns about stock mixing and disruption of spawning (DFO 2004b).

Cod landings from 3Pn averaged less than 200t. The cod fishery was closed in 3Pn in 2003.

DFO. 2004a. Northern (2J+3KL) Cod. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Stock Status Report. 2004/011.

DFO. 2004b. Subdivision 3Ps Cod. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Stock Status Report. 2004/039.

Healey, B. P., E.F. Murphy, D.E. Stansbury and J. Brattey. 2003. An Assessment of the Cod Stcok in NAFO Divisions 3NO. NAFO SCR Doc. No. 03/59.

Skate Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

Skate fisheries in the study area primarily target thorny skate for which the stock management area covers Divisions 3LNO and subdivision 3Ps. Prior to 1993, skate was only taken as by-catch in Canadian fisheries and they comprised the most common by-catch in offshore trawler catches (DFO 2003). A limited directed skate fishery was only established by Canada following the decline in stocks of other groundfish. The fishery has been prosecuted on the southwest slope of the Grand Bank, Whale Bank and St. Pierre Bank (DFO 2004). Landings in 2000 – 2003 were also taken from the Burgeo Bank and Southeast Shoal area on the Grand Bank. A total allowable catch (TAC) was established for the first time in 1995 (DFO 2003).

Skate landings have increased in recent years as fisheries targeted increasingly more aggregated skate concentrations. While historically skate were more widely distributed over the Grand Bank, currently 90 percent of the biomass is concentrated in 20 percent of their former range (near the edge of the southwest Grand Banks) (DFO 2003). According to logbook data, 2000 – 2003 landings averaged approximately 1,620t with a high of 2,040t in 2002 and a low of 1,100t in 2000. Highest landings were taken from the southern St. Pierre Bank. Low value and limited markets result in the TAC not being completely taken. The fishery is prosecuted with longline, gillnet and otter trawl.

DFO. 2003. Thorny Skate in Divisions 3L, 3N, 3O, and Subdivision 3Ps. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Stock Status rep. 2003/023.

DFO. 2004. Thorny skate (Amblyraja radiata Donovan, 1808) on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. NAFO SCR. Doc. 04/35. Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization.

Witch Flounder Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

Witch flounder within the study area are comprised of the 2J3KL, 3NO and 3Ps stocks. Fisheries for witch flounder began in the 1960s and were primarily prosecuted by Canada, USSR/Russia and European nations (Maddock Parsons 2004a; 2004b).

Due to poor stock conditions, directed fisheries for witch flounder in 2J3KL and 3NO have been under moratorium since 1994. Despite the moratorium, witch flounder are taken as by-catch in fisheries such as those for Greenland halibut (Brodie and Power 2004). By-catch in 3L corresponds with the area of highest Greenland halibut landings and 3NO landings correspond with the main location of yellowtail flounder fisheries. Additional landings were taken from the southwest slope of the Grand Bank and Whale Bank. Canadian 2J3KL by-catch ranged from 85t in 2000 to 166t in 2002. Canadian 3NO by-catch ranged from 12t in 2000 to 62t in 2003. In contrast, foreign by-catch has reached over 600t per year in 2J3KL and over 1,400t per year in 3NO (Maddock Parsons 2004a; 2004b).

The witch flounder fishery in 3Ps has operated under a total allowable catch (TAC) of 650t per year from 1998 – 2003 and catches have been mostly over 550t (DFO 2003). According to logbook data, the main area for 3Ps landings had focused on the slope at the southern end of Halibut and Haddock Channels as well as the Laurentian and Hermitage Channels. Highest landings were taken from the southern portion of Halibut Channel. Otter trawl is the main gear used in the fishery.

Recruitment has been stable over 20 years and fishing at current levels should not be harmful to the stock (DFO 2003).

Brodie, W.B. and D. Power. 2004. The Canadian Fishery for Greenland Halibut in Subarea 2 + Divisions 3KLMNO, with Emphasis on 2003. NAFO SCR Doc. 04/33. Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization.

DFO. 2003. Newfoundland and Labrador Region Groundfish Stock Updates. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Stock Status Report. 2003/049.

Maddock Parsons, D., 2004a. An update of Witch Flounder Population Trends in NAFO Divisions 2J, 3K, and 3L. NAFO SCR Doc. 04/42. Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization.

Maddock Parsons, D., 2004b. Witch Flounder in NAFO Divisions 3NO. NAFO SCR Doc. 04/43. Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization.

Atlantic Halibut Landings In The Newfoundland And Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

The management unit for Atlantic halibut includes Divisions and subdivisions 4VWX3NOPs and the bulk of the fishery takes place on the eastern Scotian Shelf (in 4Vs and 4W) (Zwanenburg et al. 2003). Halibut are generally landed along with a suite of species including cusk, cod and white hake and longline is the dominant gear type. The total allowable catch (TAC) for the entire halibut management area was set at 1,000t in 2000 and was raised to 1,150t from 2001 – 2002 and 1,300t in 2003. Total Canadian catch from Divisions 3NOP averaged approximately 440t from 2000 – 2002 with a high of 520t in 2001 and a low of 350t in 2000 (Zwanenburg et al. 2003).

Logbook data indicates 2000 – 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic halibut landings from 3NOP averaged approximately 230t. An additional 30t was taken from 3L outside the 200 nautical mile limit on the Nose of the Grand Bank. Landings were taken from the Grand Bank north and west of Southeast Shoal, the southwest slope of the Grand Bank and Whale Bank, south of Halibut and Haddock Channels, St. Pierre Bank, the Laurentian Channel, Burgeo Bank and the Hermitage Channel.

Zwanenburg, K., S. Wilson, R. Branton and P. Brien. 2003. Halibut on the Scotian Shelf and Southern Grand Banks – Current Estimates of Population Status. CSAS Res Doc. 2003/046. Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat.

American Plaice Landings In The Newfoundland And Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

The two American plaice stocks associated with the study area are the 3LNO stock and the 3Ps stock. 3LNO American plaice were historically targeted in a mixed fishery with cod and yellowtail flounder and landings averaged 40,000 – 50,000t per year throughout the 1970s and 1980s (Dwyer and Morgan 2004). Stock declines in the early 1990s resulted in low catches and eventual moratoria on fisheries that have lasted since 1993.

Despite the moratorium, American plaice is still taken as by-catch primarily in the Canadian yellowtail flounder fishery on the Grand Bank as well as in foreign fisheries for skate and Greenland halibut in the NAFO Regulatory Area (Dwyer and Morgan 2004). Logbook data also indicates by-catch taken from northern 3L in the area of the highest Canadian landings of Greenland halibut as well as the Grand Bank area corresponding to the yellowtail flounder fishery. Canadian by-catch averaged almost 1,300t from 2000 – 2003 with a high of approximately 1,600t in 2001 and a low of 620t in 2000 (Dwyer and Morgan 2004). In comparison, foreign vessels from Spain, Portugal and Russia landed an average of approximately 1,800t over the same period.

The 3Ps stock has also been under moratorium since 1993 and the stock condition is quite poor. The stock continues to be taken as by-catch in fisheries for cod and witch flounder. By-catches have totalled approximately 650t in 2000 and 2003 and reached over 1000t in 2001 and 2002 (DFO 2003). By-catch levels are extremely high in the witch flounder fishery. There appears to be little prospect of stock recovery in the short to medium term (Dwyer and Morgan 2004).

DFO. 2003. Newfoundland and Labrador Region Groundfish Stock Updates. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Stock Status Report. 2003/049.

Dwyer, K.S. and M.J. Morgan. 2004. A stock status update on American Plaice in NAFO Divisions 3LNO. NAFO SCR. Doc. 04/47.

White Hake Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

Directed Canadian fisheries for white hake were historically focused in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, on the Scotian Shelf and Georges Bank. With the decline of traditionally targeted groundfish stocks on the Grand Banks, an experimental trawl fishery was initiated for white hake in 1993 (Kulka et al. 2004). These were found in abundance in 3LNO and 3Ps and a directed fishery began in 1994. This is a mixed fishery with hake being taken in conjunction with cod, monkfish and skate. During this period, there was no quota established for the hake fishery and effort was only regulated by closures due to excessive by-catch of other species (Kulka et al. 2004).

According to logbook data, 2000 – 2003 landings from the study area averaged approximately 800t per year with a high of 927t in 2002 and a low of 719t in 2003. Landings from 2000 – 2003 were mainly taken from the southwest slope of the Grand Bank and Whale Bank, as well as the southern portions of Halibut and Haddock Channels. This corresponds with the warm water-influenced hake distribution in that area. Landings were also taken from the Laurentian Channel, St. Pierre and Burgeo Banks, the western slope of St. Pierre Bank, and the Hermitage Channel. Gillnet and longline are the predominant gear types used in the fishery. Monkfish was the most common by-catch in gillnet fisheries; of species under moratoria, cod was the most common by-catch in longline fisheries (Kulka et al. 2004). There is concern about overlap between distributions of white hake, cod and American plaice that makes the potential for cod and plaice by-catch significant. White hake are taken as by-catch in Canadian redfish, monkfish and halibut fisheries, and to a lesser extent in Canadian skate and Greenland halibut fisheries.

Kulka, D.W., K. Sosobee, C.M. Miri and M. Simpson. 2004. The Status of White Hake ( Urophycis tenuis), in NAFO Divisions 3L, 3N, 3O, and Subdivision 3Ps. NAFO SCR Doc. 04/57. Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization.

Monkfish Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

The stock structure of monkfish is unknown, but on the Grand Banks the distribution tends to be restricted to the southwest slope of the Grand Bank as well as the adjacent Laurentian Channel (DFO 2003). Historically monkfish was only taken as by-catch, but experimental trawl (1991) and gillnet (1993 – 1994) fisheries led to the development of a limited directed fishery prosecuted primarily by gillnet. Landings have been quite low as indicated by catches of only 125t in 2000. However, improved market conditions led to increased landings of 2,400t in 2002 and 2,800t in 2003 (DFO 2003). There is no quota established for this fishery. True to distributions, main landings have come from the southwest slope of the Grand Bank and Whale Bank as well as the southern and western slopes of St. Pierre Bank. Monkfish are a common by-catch in white hake fisheries using gillnet and white hake are taken as by-catch in monkfish fisheries as well (Kulka et al. 2004).

DFO. 2003. Monkfish in Divisions 3L, 3N, 3O and subdivision 3Ps. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Stock Status Report.2003/045.

Kulka, D.W., K. Sosobee, C.M. Miri and M. Simpson. 2004. The Status of White Hake (Urophycis tenuis), in NAFO Divisions 3L, 3N, 3O, and Subdivision 3Ps. NAFO SCR Doc. 04/57. Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization.

Pollock Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

Pollock in southern Newfoundland waters are at the northern extent of their range and have not been a significant target for commercial fisheries (DFO 2003). The species has been regulated as by-catch only since 1993 and catches are mainly taken from 3Ps. Most landings occur as by-catch by Canadian and French (St. Pierre and Miquelon) vessels targeting cod with otter trawl and gillnets. Landings averaged 5,500t in the 1950s, but logbook data indicates 2000 – 2003 landings have ranged from approximately 30 – 390t. Highest 2000 – 2003 landings came from the southern portion of the Halibut Channel.

DFO. 2003. Newfoundland and Labrador Region Groundfish Stock Updates. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Stock Status Report. 2003/049.

Haddock Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

Historically, haddock had the highest biomass of any groundfish species on the Grand Banks (Casey 2000), but abundance has been low since the 1970s with a slight increase in the mid to late 1980s (FRCC 2001). Heavy fishing pressure from the 1940s to the 1960s and high juvenile discard rates negatively impacted stocks. Fishing pressure in the 1980s in response to increased abundance again reduced stocks to low levels. The FRCC (2001) stated, “The Council noted in 1995 that there had been no signs of improved recruitment and there were no prospects for (3LNO) stock improvement in the near future.”

Due to poor stock conditions there are no directed fisheries for haddock in Divisions 3LNOP. However, the species is reportedly taken as by-catch in cod (3Ps) and yellowtail flounder (3NO) fisheries (DFO 2003) as well as longline fisheries for species such as skate, white hake and Atlantic halibut.

Logbook data indicates 2000 - 2003 by-catch landings of haddock averaged approximately 180t.

Casey, J.M. 2000. Fish community changes in an exploited marine ecosystem: Newfoundland southern Grand Bank and St. Pierre Bank, 1951 – 1995. MSc. Thesis. Memorial University of Newfoundland. St. John’s, Newfoundland.

DFO. 2003. Newfoundland and Labrador Region Groundfish Stock Updates. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Stock Status Report. 2003/049.

FRCC. 2001. 2001 Conservation Requirements for Groundfish Stocks in Sub-Areas 0, 2 + 3. Report to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. Fisheries Resource Conservation Council. Ottawa, On.

Wolffish Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

In 2001, northern and spotted wolffish were listed as threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) and the striped wolffish was listed as special concern. According to DFO (2003) there is no directed fishery for these species and special recovery measures were to come into force in June 2004.

Logbook data indicates by-catch of wolffish (species not indicated) occurred primarily in areas corresponding to the yellowtail flounder fishery (Southeast Shoal area), the Greenland halibut fishery (slope just south of the 3K/3L boundary) and the 3Ps Atlantic cod fishery (St. Pierre Bank and Burgeo Bank). Wolffish 2000 - 2003 by-catch averaged approximately 120t per year with a high of 275t in 2002 and a low of 20t in 2003. Particularly high landings were taken from the Southeast Shoal area as well as the slope just south of the 3K/3L boundary.

DFO. 2003. Newfoundland and Labrador Region Groundfish Stock Updates. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Stock Status Report. 2003/049.

Roughhead Grenadier Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

Logbook data indicated greatest by-catch of roughhead grenadier occurred primarily in areas corresponding to the Greenland halibut fishery (slope area north of Grand Bank). Lesser by-catch was recorded along the southwest slope of the Grand Bank and Whale Bank and was most likely associated with Greenland halibut or redfish fisheries in that area. 2000 - 2003 by-catches averaged approximately 80t per year with a high of 96t in 2002 and a low of 70t in 2001.

Shellfish Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

Shellfish landed in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region by Canadian vessels (2000 – 2003) from the study area were associated with directed (quota) fisheries for 3LNOP snow crab, 3L northern shrimp, 3N Stimpsons surf clam, 3Ps Iceland scallop, 3Ps sea scallop and 3Ps whelk. In addition to landings of directed species, propeller clam and quahogs were the main species taken as by-catch in shellfish fisheries.

Based on logbook data, shellfish landings were distributed throughout shelf areas of the study area. Total shellfish landings (directed and by-catch) in each of the four years are as follows:

• 2000 – 33,050t
• 2001 – 36,740t
• 2002 – 39,050t
• 2003 – 48,480t

Of these landings, a total of approximately 6,550t was reported as by-catch.

The majority of logbook entries indicated landings using pots followed by dredge (boat), shrimp trawl and shrimp beam trawl. Approximate annual average landings by gear type from 2000 – 2003 include: pot – 27,650t, dredge (boat) – 5,900t, shrimp trawl – 5,770t and shrimp beam trawl – 2t.

Snow Crab Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

The Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab fishery began in 1968 and was limited to NAFO divisions 3KL until the mid 1980s, but has since expanded throughout 2J3KLNOP4R (DFO 2003). Since the collapse of the groundfish fishery in the early 1990s, the snow crab fishery has become the most valuable fishery in the province. While the crab fishery was prosecuted by 50 vessels in the early 1980s, today about 3,300 license holders from several fleet sectors participate in the fishery (DFO 2005). The fishery is prosecuted using conical baited pots set in longlines and only males over 95 millimetre carapace width are targeted.

According to logbook data, the majority of 2000 – 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab landings from the study area were taken from division 3L in depths of 101 - 200 metres on the northern portion of the Grand Bank. Other locations of snow crab landings included the St. Pierre Bank, Halibut Channel, Haddock Channel, the Whale Deep area, the southwest portion of the Grand Bank, the Lilly and Carson Canyon areas and the Nose of the Grand Bank. Logbook data indicated landings from the study area averaged 27,620t per year with a high of 28,450t in 2003 and a low of 26,820t in 2001.

In recent years the Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab resource and fishery has been marked by declines in catch per unit effort (CPUE), exploitable biomass and recruitment (DFO 2005). Indirect effects of fishing, handling mortality of undersized crabs and bitter crab disease have also been identified as important management considerations (DFO 2005).

DFO. 2003. Newfoundland and Labrador Snow Crab. DFO Science Stock Status Report 2003/021. Newfoundland and Labrador Region.

DFO. 2005. Stock Assessment Report on Newfoundland and Labrador Snow Crab. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2005/017.

Northern Shrimp Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

The northern shrimp fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador waters began in 1977 and was mainly focused in divisions 2GHJ and 3K for many years. The regulated fishery commenced in 3LNO in 2000 with a 6,000t total allowable catch (TAC) restricted to 3L in water depths greater than 200 metres (Bowering and Orr 2004). The 6,000t TAC was enacted from 2000 - 2002 with Canada receiving 5,000t and foreign fleets in the NAFO Regulatory Area (NRA) receiving the remaining 1,000t. Biomass increases led to an increased TAC of 13,000t in 2003. The Canadian northern shrimp fleet consists of approximately 300 small vessels and 12 large vessels (Bowering and Orr 2004) that use shrimp trawl and shrimp beam trawl gear with small mesh (40 millimetres). Sixteen NAFO contracting nations have fished northern shrimp in the NRA since 1999 (Orr et al. 2004).

According to logbook data, the majority of 2000 – 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador northern shrimp landings from the study area were taken from division 3L in depths of 201 - 400 metres north of the Grand Bank. The slope area north of the Grand Bank inside the Canadian 200 nautical mile limit was an area of particularly high landings. Logbook data indicated landings from the study area averaged 5,770t per year with a high of 9,880t in 2003 and a low of 3,890t in 2000. These totals reflect the increased TAC for 2003.

The use of small mesh gear in the northern shrimp fishery and overlap between northern shrimp and juvenile Greenland halibut distribution results in a relatively high risk of by-catch of young fish (Bowering and Orr 2004). In order to address this issue, all vessels in 3L must use sorting grates with a minimum bar spacing of 22 millimetres to reduce by-catches. Despite use of sorting grates, many Greenland halibut are caught in most years with the bulk of catches being comprised of 1 - 3 year old fish (Bowering and Orr 2004). In addition, there is 100 percent mandatory observer coverage of large vessels and less than 10 percent coverage of the small vessels (Orr et al. 2004).

Orr et al. (2004) indicated that the shrimp resource in division 3LNO is currently healthy with high abundances of males and females.

Bowering, W.R. and D.C. Orr. 2004. By-catch of Greenland Halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides, Walbum) in the Canadian Fishery for Northern Shrimp (Pandalus boralis, Koyer) in NAFO Subarea 2 and Divisions 3KL. NAFO SACR Doc. 04/67. Serial No. N5028.

Orr, D.C., P.J. Veitch and D.J. Sullivan. 2004. An Update of Information Pertaining to Northern Shrimp (Pandalus borealis, Kroyer) and Groundfish in NAFO Divisions 3LNO. NAFO SCR Doc. 04/86. Ser No. N5056.

Stimpsons Surf Clam Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

Stimpsons surf clam fisheries have been prosecuted on the Grand Bank since 1989 and have involved a limited number (three) of licence holders (DFO 1998). It is a valuable fishery as indicated by a landed value of $1.2 million (for 1,500t) in 1999. The fishery is prosecuted using hydraulic dredges.

According to logbook data, the majority of 2000 – 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Stimpsons surf clam landings from the study area were taken from division 3N in depths of 51 - 100 metres on the eastern portion of the Grand Bank. Particularly high landings were taken from an area to the northwest of Carson Canyon. Logbook data indicated landings from the study area averaged 3,800t per year with a high of approximately 5,960t in 2003 and a low of 860t in 2000. Landings have been well below the total allowable catch levels (TAC) set for the fishery.

By-catch of propeller clams and quahogs are associated with the Stimpsons surf clam fishery and a total by-catch of almost 6,000t of these species was reported in logbooks for the 2000 - 2003 period.

DFO. 1998. Offshore Surf Clam Integrated Management Plan. Maritimes and Newfoundland Regions 1998-2002. Communications Directorate. Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Ottawa, On.

Iceland Scallop Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

The Iceland scallop fishery has been prosecuted since 1992 in Divisions 3LNO and since 1989 in subdivision 3Ps (Richards 2004). Fisheries in Divisions 3LNO began on the eastern Grand Bank in 3L and the fishery subsequently focused in the Lilly and Carson Canyon area (3N). Stocks in that area were rapidly fished down and landings have since declined due to declining availability of scallops and due to diversion of effort towards shrimp and crab. Total 2000 nominal catch of Iceland scallop in Newfoundland and Labrador was one quarter of levels in 1996 (Naidu et al. 2001). There was no directed fishery in the Lilly and Carson Canyon areas in 2002 and 2003 and there has been no commercial activity throughout the rest of 3LN since 2000 (Richards 2004).

The 3Ps fishery originally focused on the trans-boundary stock along the northern edge of the St. Pierre Bank and the quota was split between France (70 percent) and Canada (30 percent). Effort has moved to other areas on the bank since 1998 (Richards 2004) and the trans-boundary area is now plagued by predatory starfish (Naidu et al. 2001).

The Iceland scallop fishery is prosecuted using hydraulic dredge and the number of active Iceland scallop licences in 3LNOPs ranged from 40 in 2000 to 2 in 2003 (pers. comm. Frank Cahill, DFO Science).

According to logbook data, the majority of 2000 – 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Iceland scallop landings from the study area were taken from subdivision 3Ps in depths from less than 50 – 100 metres on the St. Pierre Bank. Lesser landings were taken from the Lilly Canyon area. According to logbook data, landings from the study area averaged 450t per year with a high of approximately 810t in 2000 and a low of 70t in 2003. These landing levels are reflective of fishing effort in those years. Sea scallop and Iceland scallop distributions overlap on the St. Pierre Bank and Newfoundland vessels targeting Iceland scallop sometimes catch and retain sea scallop (Naidu et al. 2001). In such cases, up to 10 percent of total catch may be comprised of sea scallop.

Naidu et al. (1998) described the 3LNO Iceland scallop fishery as being “under siege” due to high exploitation rates and low annual production.

Naidu, K.S. F.M. Cahill and E.M. Seward. 1998. The Iceland scallop: A fishery under siege in Newfoundland. Canadian Stock Assessment Secretariat Research Doc. 98/149.

Naidu, K.S. F.M. Cahill and E.M. Seward. 2001. The scallop fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador becomes beleaguered. Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat Research Doc. 2001/64.

Richards, D. 2004. Canadian Research Report for 2003. NAFO SCS Doc. 04/8. Serial No. N4960. Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization.

Cahill, Frank. Senior Research Technician. DFO Science Branch (Shellfish). NL Region.

Sea Scallop Landings In The Newfoundland And Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

The sea scallop fishery is prosecuted using hydraulic dredge. According to logbook data, 2000 - 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador sea scallop landings from the study area were taken from subdivision 3Ps in depths of less than 50 metres on the St. Pierre Bank. According to logbook data, landings from the study area averaged 190t per year with a high of approximately 590t in 2003 and no recorded landings in 2000 and 2002. Sea scallop and Iceland scallop distributions overlap on the St. Pierre Bank and Newfoundland vessels targeting Iceland scallop sometimes catch and retain sea scallop (Naidu et al. 2001). In such cases, up to 10 percent of total catch may be comprised of sea scallop.

Naidu, K.S. F.M. Cahill and E.M. Seward. 2001. The scallop fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador becomes beleaguered. Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat Research Doc. 2001/64.

Whelk Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

After an initial unsuccessful attempt to initiate a whelk fishery in 1987, pilot projects regarding whelk fisheries began in 1996 following the collapse of traditionally fished groundfish stocks and improved international markets (DFA 2003). At that time it was discovered that commercially viable whelk fisheries could be prosecuted in near shore areas of Bonavista Bay and on St. Pierre Bank. However, attempts to establish a whelk fishery have generally been challenged by fisher preference to engage in more traditional and lucrative fisheries, resulting in impediments to processing development and fluctuating prices (DFA 2003). Despite these challenges a small-scale unregulated fishery is prosecuted using pots or modified buckets.

According to logbook data, the majority of 2000 – 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador whelk landings from the study area were taken from subdivision 3Ps in depths from less than 50 - 100 metres on the St. Pierre Bank. According to logbook data, landings from the study area averaged 37t per year with a high of approximately 117t in 2002 and no recorded landings in 2000 and 2001.

DFA. 2003. Whelk (Buccinum undatum). Emerging Species Profile. Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. St. John’s, NL

Large Pelagic Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

Large pelagics landed in Newfoundland and Labrador by Canadian vessels (2000 – 2003) from the study area were associated with directed fisheries for bluefin tuna, bigeye tuna and swordfish. In addition to landings of directed species, sharks and albacore tuna were the main species reported as by-catch.

Based on logbook data, pelagic landings were primarily taken from the following areas: the shelf-break on the southern and southwest area of the Grand Bank and off shelf and deep water locations to the southeast of the Grand Bank. Other pelagic landings were taken from the Virgin Rocks area, St. Pierre Bank, Burgeo Bank, Hermitage Channel and the southern portions of Halibut and Haddock Channels. Total pelagic landings (directed and by-catch) in each of the four years are as follows:

• 2000 – 200t
• 2001 – 250t
• 2002 – 105t
• 2003 – 45t

Of these landings a total of approximately 60t was reported as by-catch.

Approximate annual average landings by gear type from 2000 – 2003 include: longline – 95t and tended line – 54t.

Bluefin Tuna Landings In The Newfoundland And Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) establishes allocations and oversees management of tuna stocks due to their migratory nature. DFO management efforts are intended to ensure Canadian fisheries comply with ICCAT stipulations. The Newfoundland and Labrador bluefin tuna fishery began in 1957 in Conception Bay. Currently there are 55 bluefin tuna licences held by Newfoundland and Labrador fishers. Some of these licences are “Atlantic wide” while others are restricted to Divisions 3LNO. In Newfoundland, fishers are eligible to prosecute the fishery using tended lines (one hook per line), rod and reel and electric harpoon (DFO 2002).

According to logbook data, the majority of 2000 – 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador bluefin tuna landings from the study area were taken from the shelf break on the southwest Grand Bank outside the Canadian 200 nautical mile limit. Landings were also taken from the Virgin Rocks area, St. Pierre Bank and the southern portions of Halibut and Haddock Channels. The shelf break on the southwest Grand Bank was an area of particularly high landings. Logbook data indicated landings from the study area averaged 53t per year with a high of 67t in 2000 and a low of 29t in 2003.

Usually the bluefin tuna fishery begins in late July and can run through to late November if quota is available.

There has been a large reduction in spawning stock abundance since the mid-1970s and the current estimate of fishing mortality is higher than target levels (DFO 1999).

DFO. 1999. 1999 – 2000 Integrated Fisheries Management Plan: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. Communications Directorate Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Ottawa, ON.

DFO. 2002. Integrated Fisheries Management Plan Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Effective 2002). Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Swordfish Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

The Atlantic swordfish fishery began in the late 1880s as a harpoon fishery while the current longline fishery commenced in the 1960s. Out of a total of 77 Canadian swordfish longline licences, only eight are held in Newfoundland (DFO 2002). However, few Newfoundland licenced vessels have been active in recent years due to directing for other species. Only 140 of 1,428 Atlantic-wide harpoon licences were active in 1999. All but eight of the vessels conducting longline fisheries are less than 65 feet in length with the remainder between 65 feet and 100 feet. The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) also recommends quotas for swordfish and DFO manages the quota to ensure landings are kept within quota limits.

According to logbook data, the majority of 2000 – 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador swordfish landings from the study area were taken from the shelf break on the southern and southwest area of the Grand Bank and off shelf and deep water locations to the southeast of the Grand Bank. Logbook data indicated landings from the study area averaged 77t per year with a high of 159t in 2001 and a low of 5t in 2003.

The Atlantic swordfish longline season operates from May to November and the harpoon season runs from June to late August.

Swordfish are taken as by-catch in tuna and shark fisheries and tunas and shark are taken as by-catch in the swordfish fishery. A twenty-year decline in the north Atlantic swordfish stock was apparent between the late 1970s and the late 1990s. Population biomass is still considered to be overfished (DFO 2002).

DFO. 2002. The Canadian Atlantic Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) Fishery. 2000-2002 Integrated Management Plan. Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Bigeye and Albacore Tuna Landings in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region (2000 – 2003)

Fisheries for “other (than bluefin) tunas” have occurred along the east coast of Canada since the 1860s (DFO 1998). The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) oversees management of these tuna stocks. “Other tunas” include bigeye, albacore and yellowfin tunas. In recent years the fishery has been prosecuted by one permanent licence holder for “other tunas” as well as those holding swordfish longline licences (77). Holders of bluefin tuna licences in Atlantic Canada are not authorized to use long line gear and are not authorized to direct for “other tuna” species. However, they are allowed to retain an incidental by-catch of “other tuna” (pers. comm. Len Knight, Fisheries and Oceans Canada).

According to logbook data, the majority of 2000 – 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador “other tuna” landings from the study area were taken in deep water areas off the southwest and southeast Grand Bank. Landings were comprised primarily of bigeye tuna with lesser amounts of albacore. Highest landings were taken from deep water locations off the southeast Grand Bank. Logbook data indicated “other tuna” landings from the study area averaged 14t per year with a high of approximately 31t in 2001 and a low of 7t in 2000 and 2002.

DFO (1998) indicated that although landings of “other tunas” tend to be relatively low these stocks should not be considered underutilized. In fact, all three species are being fished at or beyond maximum sustainable yield estimates.

DFO. 1998. Canadian Atlantic Integrated Fishery Management Plan Bigeye (Thunnus obesus) Yellowfin (Thunnus albacares) Albacore (Thunnus alalunga) Tunas 1998-1999. Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Knight, Len. Area Chief Resource Management. Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador.