The Grand Banks of Newfoundland: Atlas of Human Activities

The Grand Banks of Newfoundland: Atlas of Human Activities (PDF, 115 MB)

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

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)
URL: 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
St. John’s, NL A1C 5X1

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 Scotia-Fundy Region (2000 – 2003)

Groundfish landed in the Scotia-Fundy Region by Canadian vessels (2000 – 2003) from the study area were mainly associated with directed (quota) fisheries for NAFO Division 3KLMN Greenland halibut, 3O and 3Ps redfish, 3Ps Atlantic cod, 3LNO skate and 4VWX3NOPs Atlantic halibut. In addition to landings of species under quota, the following were either taken as by-catch or as part of non-quota fisheries: American plaice, wolffish (unspecified), cusk, witch flounder, haddock, roundnose grenadier, and yellowtail flounder.

Based on logbook data, groundfish landings were primarily taken from the following areas: the Laurentian Channel, the St. Pierre Bank, south of St. Pierre Bank, Halibut Channel, Haddock Channel and Hermitage Channel, the southwest slope of the Grand Bank and Whale Bank, Burgeo Bank, northwest of the Southeast Shoal 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 – 7,270t
2001 – 3,970t
2002 – 2,630t
2003 – 3,220t

Map of Groundfish Landings (2000 – 2003)

Redfish Landings in the Scotia-Fundy Region (2000 – 2003)

Logbook data indicates 2000 – 2003 Scotia-Fundy redfish landings from the study area came from 3O and 3Ps. Landings were taken primarily from the Laurentian Channel, the Hermitage Channel, the southern slope and shelf areas of Burgeo and St. Pierre Banks, the southern portion of Halibut and Haddock Channels, and the southwest slope of the Grand Bank and Whale Bank. Total landings were approximately 9,620t. Landings averaged approximately 2,400t per year with a high of 5,600t in 2000 and a low of 825t in 2002. 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).

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

Atlantic Cod Landings in the Scotia-Fundy Region (2000 – 2003)

Logbook data indicates 2000 – 2003 Scotia-Fundy Atlantic cod landings from the study area came from 3NO and 3Ps. Landings from 3NO were taken as by-catch and corresponded to locations of directed fisheries for Atlantic halibut, monkfish, skate and white hake (Southeast Shoal area and southwest slope of the Grand Bank and Whale Bank). Directed fisheries were prosecuted in 3Ps and landings were derived from the slope area south of Halibut and Haddock Channels, Green Bank and St. Pierre Bank as well as on the St. Pierre Bank, Hermitage Channel and the Laurentian Channel.

Total Atlantic cod landings were approximately 3,040t. Landings averaged approximately 760t per year with a high of 910t in 2001 and a low of 520t in 2002.

Map of Atlantic Cod Landings (2000 – 2003)

White Hake Landings in the Scotia-Fundy Region (2000 – 2003)

The white hake fishery is generally a mixed fishery with hake being taken in conjunction with cod, monkfish and skate. There is no quota established for the hake fishery and effort is only regulated by closures due to excessive by-catch of other species (Kulka et al. 2004).

Landings from 2000 – 2003 were mainly taken from the southern slope of the Grand Banks corresponding to the warm water-influenced hake distribution in that area. Landings came from west of the Southeast Shoal, the St. Pierre Bank, the Laurentian Channel and Hermitage Channel. Logbook data indicates highest landings from just inside the Canadian 200 nautical mile limit as well as the southern portions of Halibut and Haddock Channels.

Total white hake landings from 2000 – 2003 were approximately 1,650t. Landings averaged approximately 415t per year with a high of 730t in 2002 and a low of 270t in 2001.

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.

Map of White Hake Landings (2000 – 2003)

Atlantic Halibut Landings in the Scotia-Fundy Region (2000 – 2003)

Total Canadian Atlantic halibut catch from Divisions 3NOP averaged 442t from 2000 – 2002 with a high of 518t in 2001 and a low of 356t in 2000 (Zwanenburg et al. 2003).

Logbook data indicates 2000 – 2003 Scotia-Fundy halibut landings from the study area came from the southern shelf break areas of the Grand Banks, the Southeast Shoal area, St. Pierre Bank, the western slope of St. Pierre Bank, the Laurentian Channel and the Hermitage Channel. The slope area south of Halibut Channel was an area of particularly high landings.

Total Atlantic halibut landings were approximately 850t. Landings averaged approximately 210t per year with a high of 265t in 2003 and a low of 165t in 2000.

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.

Map of Atlantic Halibut Landings (2000 – 2003)

Skate Landings in the Scotia-Fundy Region (2000 – 2003)

Logbook data indicates 2000 - 2003 Scotia-Fundy skate landings from the study area came from the southwest shelf area of the Grand Bank, southern portions of Halibut and Haddock Channels and the shelf and slope area of St. Pierre Bank.

Landings averaged approximately 165t per year with a high of 285t in 2003 and a low of 80t in 2000. Low value and limited markets resulted in the total allowable catch (TAC) not being completely taken. The fishery is prosecuted with longline, gillnet and otter trawl.

Monkfish Landings in the Scotia-Fundy Region (2000 – 2003)

Logbook data indicates 2000 – 2003 Scotia-Fundy monkfish landings from the study area primarily came from the shelf and slope area of St. Pierre Bank, Halibut Channel the southwest slope of the Grand Bank and Whale Bank, and the Laurentian and Hermitage Channels.

Landings averaged approximately 90t per year with a high of 215t in 2003 and a low of 3t in 2000.

Pollock Landings in the Scotia-Fundy 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 pollock landings occur as by-catch by Canadian and French (St. Pierre and Miquelon) vessels targeting cod with otter trawl and gillnets.

Logbook data indicates 2000 – 2003 Scotia-Fundy Pollock landings from the study area averaged approximately 60t per year with a high of 115t in 2000 and a low of 15t in 2001.

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

Greenland Halibut Landings in the Scotia-Fundy Region (2000 – 2003)

Scotia-Fundy Greenland halibut landings in 2000 – 2003 from the study area primarily came from the slope area to the north of the Grand Bank, the Laurentian Channel, Hermitage Channel, and the shelf break areas on the southern portion of the Grand Banks.

Total Scotia-Fundy landings from the study area averaged 45t per year with a high of 115t in 2001 and a low of 5t in 2002.

Map of Greenland Halibut Landings (2000 – 2003)

Shellfish Landings in the Scotia-Fundy Region (2000 – 2003)

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

Based on logbook data, 2000 - 2003 shellfish landings were primarily taken from the southeast Grand Bank, the slope north of the Grand Bank and shelf and slope areas of St. Pierre Bank. The area east of the Southeast Shoal was noteworthy as an area of particularly high landings due to high catch levels of Stimpsons surf clam. Total shellfish landings (directed and by-catch) in each of the four years are as follows:

2000 – 3,175t
2001 – 5,170t
2002 – 5,960t
2003 – 6,600t

Stimpsons Surf Clam Landings in the Scotia-Fundy Region (2000 – 2003)

According to logbook data, the majority of 2000 – 2003 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 areas to the northwest of Carson Canyon and near Lilly Canyon. Logbook data indicated landings from the study area averaged approximately 3,440t per year with a high of approximately 4,300t in 2003 and a low of approximately 2,380t in 2000.

By-catch of “unspecified mollusks”, propeller clams and quahogs are associated with the Stimpsons surf clam fishery and a total by-catch of almost 5,500t of these species was reported in logbooks for the 2000 – 2003 period.

Map of Stimpsons Surf Clam Landings (2000 – 2003)

Northern Shrimp Landings in the Scotia-Fundy Region (2000 – 2003)

According to logbook data, the majority of 2000 – 2003 Scotia-Fundy northern shrimp landings from the study area were taken from division 3L in depths of 201 - 400 metres to the north of the Grand Bank. Logbook data indicated landings from the study area averaged approximately 360t per year with a high of 570t in 2002 and a low of 0t in 2003.

Map of Northern Shrimp Landings (2000 – 2003)

Snow Crab Landings in the Scotia-Fundy Region (2000 – 2003)

According to logbook data from Scotia-Fundy region, the majority of 2000 – 2003 snow crab landings from the study area were taken from the eastern slope of St. Pierre Bank and the Halibut Channel, as well as an area to the north of St. Pierre Bank. Logbook data indicated landings from the study area averaged approximately 40t per year with a high of 80t in 2003 and a low of 0t in 2000.

Sea Scallop Landings in the Scotia-Fundy Region (2000 – 2003)

From 2000 – 2003 a very limited sea scallop fishery was conducted in the study area by Canadian vessels landing in the Scotia-Fundy Region. According to logbook data, a fishery was only conducted in 2000 when a total of 34t was landed from shallow areas (less than 50 metres) of the northwest St. Pierre Bank.

Map of Sea Scallop Landings (2000 – 2003)

Large Pelagic Landings in the Scotia-Fundy Region (2000 – 2003)

Large pelagics landed in the Scotia-Fundy Region by Canadian vessels (2000 – 2003) from the study area were associated with directed fisheries for swordfish, bigeye tuna, albacore tuna and porbeagle/mako shark. In addition to landings of directed species, blue sharks, mahi mahi (dolphin fish) and bluefin tuna were the main species reported as by-catch.

Based on logbook data, large pelagic landings were primarily taken from the following areas: the shelf break of the southwest Grand Bank, deep water locations to the southeast and southwest of the Grand Bank, south of St. Pierre Bank and on the St. Pierre, Green, Whale and Grand Banks. Total pelagic landings (directed and by-catch) in each of the four years are as follows:

2000 – 350t
2001 – 100t
2002 – 160t
2003 – 0t

Map of Large Pelagic Landings (2000 – 2003)

Swordfish Landings in the Scotia-Fundy 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, 69 are held in the Scotia-Fundy sector of the Maritimes Region (DFO 2002). 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 quotas to ensure landings are kept within quota limits.

According to logbook data, the majority of 2000 – 2003 swordfish landings from the study area were taken from the shelf break on the southwest area of the Grand Bank and off shelf and deep water locations to the southeast and southwest of the Grand Bank. The shelf break area of the southwest Grand Bank (both outside and inside the Canadian 200 nautical mile limit) was an area of particularly high landings. Logbook data indicated landings from the study area averaged 46t per year with a high of 90t in 2002 and a low of 0t 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.

Porbeagle Shark Landings in the Scotia-Fundy Region (2000 – 2003)

Atlantic shark fisheries were initiated in 1961 by Norway, and Canadian participation began in 1991 (DFO 2002). The fishery primarily targets porbeagle sharks with mako and blue sharks commonly taken as by-catch. Sharks also appear as by-catch in pelagic longline fisheries for swordfish and tunas. Currently there are 25 Atlantic-wide porbeagle/blue shark licences down from 58 initial licences in 1995 (DFO 2002). The fishery is prosecuted by longline, hand line and rod and reel.

According to logbook data, 2000 – 2003 Scotia-Fundy porbeagle shark landings from the study area were distributed across the Grand Bank, Whale Bank, Green Bank and St. Pierre Bank. Landings were also taken from off-shelf areas to the southwest of the Grand Bank and south of St. Pierre Bank. Logbook data indicated landings from the study area averaged almost 80t per year with a high of 254t in 2000 and a low of 0t in 2003. Mako shark landings totalled 20t and blue shark landings totalled 8t from 2000 - 2003.

The porbeagle shark fishery is prosecuted during the fall on the Grand Banks.

DFO (2002) indicated the current porbeagle shark population is seriously depleted and greatly reduced fishing mortality is required if the population is to recover. As a result, there has been no directed fishing for this species since 2002.

DFO. 2002. Canadian Atlantic Pelagic Shark Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (2002-2007). Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Map of Porbeagle Shark Landings (2000 – 2003)

Bigeye and Albacore Tuna Landings in the Scotia-Fundy 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) and bluefin tuna licences. Only bluefin tuna fishers operating on the Scotia Shelf or Grand Banks using tended line or rod and reel may retain “other tunas”.

According to logbook data, the majority of 2000 – 2003 Scotia-Fundy “other tuna” landings from the study area were taken in shelf break and deep water areas off the southwest Grand Bank and deep water areas east and southeast of the Grand Bank. Landings were comprised primarily of bigeye and albacore tuna. Albacore landings were reported only from off the southwest Grand Bank. Logbook data indicated “other tuna” landings from the study area averaged 15t per year with a high of approximately 30t in 2000 and a low of 0t in 2003. The majority of “other tuna” landings were comprised of bigeye tuna.

DFO (1998) indicated that although landings of “other tunas” tends 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.

Map of Bigeye and Albacore Tuna Landings (2000 – 2003)

Date modified:: 2018-05-11

Language selection

Search