Terms of Reference

Assessment of the Saguenay Fjord Winter Recreational Groundfish Fishery

Regional Peer Review – Quebec Region

October 30, 2014
Mont-Joli, QC

Chairperson: Charley Cyr

Context

The winter recreational fishery in the Saguenay Fjord is unique in Quebec by its magnitude and the variety of species captured. The main species are redfish, Atlantic and Greenland cod and Greenland halibut. The fishery is currently managed through a fishing season and daily catch limits.

The status of this fishery was last assessed in November 2012. This review will provide scientific advice related to the conservation and management of fishery resources harvested during the winter recreational fishery in the Saguenay Fjord.

Objectives

1. Define the context and issues related to winter recreational fishery in the Saguenay Fjord.
2. Review available indicators of population status for redfish, Atlantic cod, Greenland cod and Greenland halibut. This review will be based on:
   • Presentation of the fishery descriptors from 1995 to 2014 examining separately fishing activities within the Saguenay – St. Lawrence Marine Park and outside the Park:
     • Catch
     • Effort
     • Catch rates
     • Impact of echo sounder use on fishing success
   • Biological characteristics of marine groundfish species during recreational fishery:
     • Size frequency distributions
     • Condition indices
     • Length-weight relationships
   • Catch rates from gillnet research surveys conducted from 2000 to 2014.
     • Catch rates
     • Size frequency distributions
     • Condition indices
     • Length-weight relationships

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research document

Participants

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) experts from the Science and Fisheries Management sectors
• Recreational Fishing Industry
• Provincial Advisors
• Academia