Terms of Reference

Scallop Fishery Area/Time Closure to Protect Cod Spawning Aggregations in 5Z (Georges Bank) in 2011

Maritimes Region Science Special Response Process (SSRP)

February 10, 2011
Dartmouth, NS

Chairperson: Tara McIntyre

Context

To limit the bycatch of Atlantic cod in the offshore scallop fishery and minimize disturbance to the spawning aggregations, an area of Georges Bank is annually closed to the scallop fishery. As an update to the 2010 report on the scallop fishery area/time closure to reduce Atlantic cod by-catch on Georges Bank, DFO FAM requested that DFO Maritimes Science provide advice on Atlantic cod distribution, particularly during spawning season. The Science Special Response Process (SSRP) will be based on existing data from the observed groundfish otter trawl fishery and scallop fishery trips for the past 6 years as well as the distribution of the scallop fishery in 2010.

Objectives and Scope

The objective of the SSRP is to provide science advice on the following question:

• What does a review of 5Z Atlantic cod distribution, particularly during spawning, reveal about the spatial and temporal trends of the species and its overlap with the offshore scallop fishery?

Expected Publications

• CSAS Science Response

Participation

• DFO Science Branch