Language selection

Search

Science at-Sea: September survey 2018

Release date: September 2018
Infographic: September survey 2018
Description: September survey 2018

Each September for the last 48 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 2018, the survey was performed from September 4 to October 2.

  • 15 scientists and 21 crew members were on board
  • 140,183 fish and crustaceans have been caught
  • 106 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
  • 4,221 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.
  • 49,972 fish and crustaceans have been individually measured
  • 66 Fish species have been observed

FISH AND CRUSTACEANS MEASURED – Combined with other information, the following data helps assess the relative abundance by size and species.

  • 51 Atlantic halibuts
  • 361 Witch flounders
  • 695 Greenland halibuts
  • 1,085 Rainbow smelts
  • 1,315 Winter flounders
  • 1,675 Mackerels
  • 2,019 Yellowtail flounders
  • 2,130 Capelins
  • 2,745 Hyas crabs
  • 2,799 Atlantic cods
  • 3,136 Herrings
  • 3,251 Redfish
  • 3,966 Lobsters
  • 8,599 Snow crabs
  • 9,125 American plaices
Date modified: