Science Response 2014/017

Maritimes Research Vessel Summer Survey Trends

Context

DFO has conducted summer research vessel (RV) surveys in the Maritimes Region, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) divisions 4VWX and a small portion of 5Y, using a standardized protocol since 1970.  Results of these surveys provide information on trends in abundance for most groundfish species in the Maritimes Region.  While these data reflect trends in biomass and abundance and are a critical part of science-based stock assessments, a full assessment, including other sources of data, would be required to evaluate the impacts of management measures on population status.  Fisheries and Aquaculture Management (FAM) requested a review of the DFO RV survey information on the following list of fish stocks: 4Vn Atlantic Cod, 4VsW Atlantic Cod, 4X5Y Atlantic Cod, 4VW Haddock, 4X Haddock, 4VW White Hake, 4X White Hake, 4VWX Silver Hake, 4VWX+5 Pollock, Unit II Redfish, Unit III Redfish, 3NOPs4VWX+5 Atlantic Halibut, 4VW flatfish, 4X5Y flatfish, 4VW and 4X Smooth Skate, Thorny Skate, Barndoor Skate, Winter Skate, Little Skate, Atlantic Wolffish, Monkfish, and Longhorn Sculpin.  Full assessments will not be conducted for these stocks in 2013.  In addition, biomass trends relative to accepted biomass reference points were requested for White Hake (biomass for lengths>41cm) and Unit III redfish (biomass for lengths > 22 cm).  The survey information will be used by DFO Resource Management as background for discussions with various industry stakeholders on recommendations for management measures, and to determine which stocks should be reviewed in more detail in 2014.

This Science Response Report results from the Science Response Process of December 18, 2013, on the Review of Maritimes Research Vessel Survey Trends.

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