Testing of smaller gear for the lobster trawl survey off southwest NS and southwest NB

Introduction

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Science program strives to assess the state of the lobster resource so that fishery managers and fishing industry are able to make informed decisions on the management of this species. A fishery independent survey has been identified as a missing element in the assessment of lobster stock status. Based on experience in DFO and in other jurisdictions, the best way to conduct such a survey is by trawl. In 2013, the Population Ecology Division (PED) lobster unit undertook a trawl survey for lobsters in LFAs 34-38. The survey used the vessel and much of the protocol of another survey (“ITQ Survey”) which had sampled ground fish and lobsters since 1996 using a 280 Balloon trawl.

In 2015 the survey will add a component to test smaller trawl gear to improve the cost effectiveness of estimating of lobster abundance with trawl survey and reduce the bottom footprint of the survey.

Contract Period

The Contract Dates are as follows: June 1, 2015 through to May 30, 2016 with options to renew for 2 additional 1 year periods at the sole discretion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).

Option periods if exercised will be June 1, 2016 through to May 30, 2017, June 1, 2017 through to May 30, 2018.

The Project work will take place between June 15 and July 31 of each year. A minimum of 9 sea days (i.e. 3 periods of approximately 3 days) will be required each year. Exact dates will be determined by the DFO scientist in-charge.

Contract Area of Operation

The work will be conducted throughout Grand Manan (LFA38), Southwest New Brunswick (LFA36) and LFA34 (Bay of Fundy, St Marys Bay to Pubnico Point). The contractor must be willing to berth at various ports in the Bay of Fundy and LFA34 for the duration of the project and provide overnight accommodation for two DFO employees onboard when sampling occurs over consecutive days. Note: These will be determined by operational requirements.