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Improving the NEFSC Clam Survey for Atlantic Surfclams and Ocean Quahogs
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2019
[PDF-5.87 MB]
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Description:A working group (WG) consisting of Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) staff, academic partners, and interested persons met 5 times during 2017 to discuss ideas for improving the NEFSC clam survey (Appendix A). The goals were to develop ideas for improving the precision and utility of survey data used in stock assessments and for using survey resources more efficiently. Preliminary ideas were presented to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) on May 18, 2017, and a final presentation and review of this document by the SSC occurred on March 13, 2018. In addition, there were several meetings within NEFSC between Ecosystems Survey Branch and Population Dynamics Branch staff with leadership participation. This report presents data, analyses, and recommendations for consideration by NEFSC.
The survey targets Atlantic surfclams (Spisula solidissima) and ocean quahogs (Arctica islandica) in federal waters (US Exclusive Economic Zone or EEZ, 3-200 nautical miles from the coast) along the northeastern coast of the United States between North Carolina and the US-Canada border on Georges Bank (Figure 1). The primary purpose is collection of abundance, biomass, shell length, and meat weight data for both species as well as age data for surfclams which are all used in stock assessments for the EEZ stocks. The hydraulic clam dredge sampling gear is designed to reduce bycatch, and little useful data are collected for other species. Data are routinely collected for additional studies based on sampling requests submitted by NEFSC and external partners prior to each survey. Beginning in 1997, surveys included experimental field work to test sampling gear and estimate capture efficiency and size-selectivity for survey gear. Substantial environmental data (depth and bottom temperatures) have been collected since 1997 but have been little used to date. The fishing industry uses survey results to locate new fishing grounds.
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Rights Information:Public Domain
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