Research Document - 2000/133

Redfish Catch Results from Summer 2000 Survey in Unit 2

By McClintock, J.

Abstract

To enhance the fisheries research database in Unit 2, NAFO Divisions 3Pn, 3Ps, 4Vn, and 4Vs, the Groundfish Enterprise Allocation Council (GEAC) has funded redfish surveys during winter 1997, and summer 1998, 1999, and 2000. The continuing intent is to maintain a series of annual summer surveys to complement current resource assessment activities carried out by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). GEAC funded and performed the surveys with scientific guidance from DFO in the design and execution of a stratified random survey and the associated sampling. The data collected during these surveys have been subsequently analysed on behalf of GEAC and for the additional intent of providing this information to DFO, for their databases and their assessment work. This is the fourth such GEAC redfish survey in Unit 2 following on the previous 1997 to 1999 surveys. Catch statistics, length distribution, and stratified analysis estimates of redfish abundance and biomass, and interpretation of results are presented. The Unit 2 biomass estimate is 169 ktonnes compared with the 1997 to 1999 values of 240, 222, and 94 ktonnes respectively. The 1980 year-class is still "prevalent" and increased in numbers for 4Vn and 4Vs, with comparable numbers to 1999 in 3Ps and a slight reduction from 1999 in 3Pn. The 1988 year-class remains absent from 3Pn and 4Vn, is down slightly in 3Ps and up slightly from 1999 in 4Vs although still at levels slightly below those seen in 1997 and greatly reduced from those seen in 1998. The 1988 year class does appear to be gradually replacing the 1980 year class in the adult population as evidenced in 3Ps and 4Vs, although the 1988 year class is still not as strong is the 1980 year class. The 1994 year-class first seen in 3Pn in 1998 is now evident in 3Pn and also in 3Ps and 4Vn. The 2000 survey used a liner whereas the previous three years did not so that with this element of selectivity the surveys are not comparable in this one regard. Within the Laurentian Channel and slopes, where a great portion of the fish were caught in 2000 - the other area being on the southern reaches of the continental shelf - there continues to be a prevalence of fish towards the western reaches with a possible slight increase on the western 4Vs side compared to that to the east and 3Ps. Depth and oceanographic conditions may be factors associated with these aggregations.

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