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Research Document - 2011/083

Sentinel surveys 1995-2010: Catch per unit effort (CPUE) in NAFO Subdivision 3Ps

By D. Maddock Parsons and R. Stead

Abstract

Unstandardized catch rates for sentinel surveys in NAFO Subdiv. 3Ps are updated for 2009 and preliminary results are given for 2010. Gillnet catch rates (weekly average number of fish per net) in the most recent years remained low compared to 1996-98 catch rates. Catch rates in small mesh gillnet remained low. Length frequencies of cod caught in small mesh gillnet showed fewer fish at the two size modes (36-44 cm and 52-56 cm) that this gear catches since 2000. Linetrawl catch rates (weekly average number of fish per 1000 hooks) increased from 2000 and showed an increase in the number of fish at the 44-54 cm size range from 2002 to 2004. Linetrawl catch rates have been lower than those in 1995-97 since 2000, but have shown a slightly increasing trend.

Trends in liver and gutted body condition showed a seasonal cycle, with condition declining over the winter and early spring, and increasing again over the summer once spawning has occurred. Annually, trends in condition have varied over the time series, but since 2007 have been declining. Both length and weight at age have declined in fish age 4 and older since the early part of the time series.

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