Research Document - 2004/018
Area Trawled on Georges Bank by the Canadian Groundfish Fishery
By Gavaris, S., and Black, J.
Abstract
Fishing activity may impact the ecosystem by disturbance of benthic communities and habitat. The area trawled by the Canadian groundfish bottom trawl fishery on Georges Bank was quantified using fishing log records and information captured by observers at sea. In 2001 and 2002, the footgear disturbed less than about 10% of the bottom while the bridles/warp swept less than about 30%. The doors impacted less than 1% of the bottom. The available data collected from fishery observations is not sufficient to provide anything but a rough estimate of the area trawled. Comprehensive monitoring of position during fishing operations is required if zoning within management units will be used to regulate ocean use activities.
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