Research Document - 2015/054
Overview of Discards from Canadian Commercial Groundfish Fisheries in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Divisions 4X5Yb for 2007-2011
By Clark, K.J., Hansen, S.C., and Gale, J.
Abstract
Discards from Canadian commercial groundfish fisheries in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Divisions 4X5Yb were characterized for the period 2007-2011. The results were compared to discards calculated for a variety of fisheries conducted in Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Maritimes Region from 2002-2006. The discards between periods were estimated using the same methodology, which is based on at-sea observations that were scaled to the total catch of each fishery by weight. There may be considerable bias in estimated discards due to issues with the spatial representativeness of the observer coverage, and low levels of observer coverage (ranging from 0 to 11%), particularly for discarded species that are rarely caught. In addition, given the variable and poorly understood mortality of discarded bycatch, this report only calculates total discards and does not adjust for post-release survival or mortality. These discard estimates are only intended for making broad comparisons. Despite some limitations, this type of broad comparison of discards across fisheries and years can be helpful in identifying potential conservation concerns, as well as providing a basis for triage by resource managers.
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