Review of the Georges Bank research vessel survey program, 1987-2011 / by H.H. Stone and W.E. Gross.: Fs97-4/2988E-PDF

"The Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans has conducted annual multi-species bottom trawl surveys on Georges Bank (statistical unit areas 5Zj, 5Zm, 5Zh, 5Zn, 5Zg, and 5Zo) during February/March since 1987. The survey follows a stratified random sampling design for tow locations with eight designated strata and includes observations of marine fish and invertebrate species caught as well as hydrographic sampling of the water column. This report summarizes the data available for selected marine fish and invertebrate species captured during the Georges Bank surveys. Plots of geographic distribution, biomass trends and stratified length frequency are presented for the major commercial fish and invertebrate species as well as for species that comprise a large part of the survey catch (i.e. species which occur in more than 10% of all sets from 1987-2011). For cod, haddock, pollock and yellowtail flounder, which have individual fish weights and maturity stage data collected throughout most of the time series, trends in condition (Fulton's K; weight/length3) and maturity were also reported. Temporal patterns in hydrographic conditions are illustrated by plots of bottom temperature and salinity by strata from 1987 to 2011. Data collected from this survey are useful for monitoring temporal and spatial trends in the distribution, abundance and biomass for a number of fish and invertebrate species and for monitoring temporal and spatial variability in hydrographic conditions across the bank. In addition, the data provide a primary source of information that can further our understanding of long term changes in the species composition and biodiversity of the Georges Bank ecosystem. The survey data are available on the Maritimes Regional Ecosystem Survey database for more detailed analyses"--Abstract, page xii.

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