Science Response 2014/018
Maritimes Research Vessel Survey Trends on Georges Bank
Context
DFO has conducted winter research vessel (RV) surveys in the Maritimes Region, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Area 5Z (Georges Bank; Figure 1) using a standardized protocol since 1987. Results from these surveys provide information on trends in abundance for 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 winter survey information on the following species in 5Z1-5Z4 (Figure 2): Cod, Haddock, Pollock, Sea Raven, Ocean Pout, Yellowtail Flounder, Atlantic Wolffish, Monkfish, Smooth Skate, Thorny Skate, Barndoor Skate, Winter Skate, and Little Skate. The survey information will be used by FAM 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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