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Science at-Sea: September survey 2017

Release date: September 2017
Infographic: September survey 2017
Description: September survey 2017

Each September for the last 46 years, DFO scientists take to sea for an expedition to assess the abundance and distribution of fish and invertebrates in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and to measure oceanographic variables. Since 2004, the survey is done on a Canadian Coast Guard vessel, the Teleost.

In 2017, the survey was performed from September 5 to 29.

  • 14 scientists and 21 crew members were on board
  • 237,760 fish and crustaceans have been caught
  • 126 successful trawl have been hauled
  • 9 oceanographic variables have been measured at each survey haul – These variables, such as water temperature, plankton, salinity, nutrients, pH and oxygen are key components of species habitat
  • 4,945 otoliths have been sampled – Otoliths are calcareous structures in the fish inner ear. The age and growth of the fish can be observed through them; in the same manner one reads the rings on a tree trunk.
  • 48,913 fish and crustaceans have been individually measured
  • 68 Fish species have been observed

Fish and crutaceans measured – Combined with other information, the following data helps assess the relative abundance by size and species.

  • 70 Atlantic Halibut
  • 765 Mackerel
  • 823 Witch Flounder
  • 967 Greenland Halibut
  • 1,070 Atlantic Cod
  • 1,216 Hyas Crab
  • 1,515 Rainbow Smelt
  • 1,930 Yellowtail Flounder
  • 1,961 Winter Flounder
  • 2,484 Herring
  • 3,494 Redfish
  • 3,997 Lobster
  • 4,916 Capelin
  • 7,709 Snow Crab
  • 9,804 American Plaice
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