Greenland sharks (Somniosus microcephalus) Spanish data (Surveys and Fishery) in NAFO Regulatory Area.

The aim of this paper is to update the Spanish commercial and survey catches for the Greenland sharks (Somniosus microcephalus) presented González-Costas and Ramilo (2017). An analysis of the 2018 catches estimated by the Scientific Observers and NAFO Observers is also presented

Greenland sharks (Somniosus microcephalus) Spanish data (Surveys and Fishery) in NAFO Regulatory Area

The analysis of EU NAFO Regulatory Area surveys and Spanish Scientific Observers fishery data from Divisions 3LMNO show that Greenland sharks is not abundant and that this species appears in these Divisions sporadically and in depths of more than 300 meters. The surveys depth information is slightly different from that collected by scientific observers where most of the catches are at depths greater than 700 meters. Based on the Scientific Observers show that most of the catches of this species are mainly a by catch of the Greenland halibut fishery.Versión del edito

Depth Distribution of the Effort, CPUE, Proportion of Mature and Oversized in the Catches of the Spanish Fisheries in NAFO Area

This paper reports an analysis of the depth distribution of effort and CPUE of the Spanish fleet, as well as undersized fish proportions and mature rates in the Spanish catches of five different species (Greenland halibut, American plaice, cod, yellowtail flounder, skate). Data were collected by the Spanish scientific observer program in the areas NAFO Div. 3LMNO during the period 1996-2000. More than 80% of the annual effort is carried out in the strata of 600-800, 800-1000 and >1000 meters. The species with highest yields in these strata is the Greenland halibut. 10% of the effort is carried out in the stratum of <200 meters and within this the highest yields correspond to skate and American plaice. The proportion of mature fish in the catches depends on depth for Greenland halibut and skate, whilst for the rest of the species the proportions of mature fish are bigger and more stable. The percentage of oversized fish is quite high, bigger than 95% in all species and ranges of depth

By-Catch Species in the Greenland Halibut Spanish (NAFO Divisions 3LM and 3NO): 1991-1994

The specific composition of by-catch was studied: 17 species, their presence calculated by depth strata, month and Division, and variations in monthly yield by division in the Spanish Greenland halibut fishery, developed in the NAFO regulated area for the period 1991-1994. Two groups of species were identified depending on the importance of their presence in catches: the more and less frequent species. The more frequent species were considered those with a value of above 5 kg/h annual yield, i.e. Skate, Roundnose grenadier and Roughhead grenadier, American plaice, Witch flounder and Redfish. Analyzing the data on a monthly basis, however, reveals the presence of higher values of yield than other species. Some species show a stational pattern, such as Grenadiers, Skate and American plaice, particularly in Division 3N. An other hand, other species have increased yields in recent years. In this fishery, the characteristic species of the demersal fisheries (Skate, American plaice) showed a wider bathymetric distribution than that considered typical in each case. The transfer of effort southwards (Divs.3NO) in recent years, mainly in the case of small vessels, has meant variation in the composition and relative abundance of by-catch in this fleet

By-catch in the Spanish Greenland Halibut Fishery (NAFO Divisions 3LMNO): 1991–94

The species composition of by-catch was studied in the Spanish Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) fishery, developed in the NAFO Regulatory Area in Div. 3L, 3M and 3NO, for the period 1991–94. Of the 17 species occurring in the catches, two groups were identified as the more and less frequent species. The more frequent species with an annual yield of about 5 kg/hr were roughhead grenadier, roundnose grenadier, skate, American plaice, redfish, witch flounder and blue antimora. Analyzing the data on a monthly basis revealed some species such as grenadiers, skate and American plaice, particularly in Div. 3N, did not change much while other species had increased yields in recent years. The characteristic species of the demersal fisheries (skate, American plaice) showed a wide bathymetric distribution. The transfer of effort southwards to Div. 3NO in recent years, mainly in the case of small vessels, has meant variation in the composition and relative abundance of by-catch in this fleet. The proportion of each by-catch species was highly variable. Skate, American plaice, witch flounder and grenadiers were caught most frequently in both fleets. In the large vessels, however, blue antimora, redfish and roundnose grenadier were more frequent than in the small vessels. The length distribution in the discarded proportion was analyzed for the two grenadiers, skate and blue antimora. In general, the length distribution of the proportion discarded showed a wide range

Yellowtail flounder, redfish (Sebastes spp.) and witch flounder indices from the Spanish Survey conducted in Divisions 3NO of the NAFO Regulatory Area

Since 1995, Spain carries out a spring stratified random bottom trawl survey in Div. 3NO of the NAFO Regulatory Area. Total mean catches, biomass and mean numbers for yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea) are presented for the period 1995-2017, for redfish (Sebastes spp.) for the period 1997-2017 and for witch flounder (Glyptocephalus cynoglossus) for the period 2002-2017. Detailed indices are presented from 2013. Yellowtail flounder indices do not show a clear trend. Biomass increased from 1997 to 1999 and then remained almost constant throughout all the period, decreasing slightly in 2014-2017. The 2017 value is the lowest since 1998. Redfish indices oscillate greatly over time, probably because the gear does not sample adequately aggregating pelagic species. There was a sharp increase in 2009 and since then until 2015, biomass fluctuated maintaining higher values than before 2009. In 2016 biomass dropped and increase again in 2017 to the 2012 level. The 3N division comprises around the 90% of the total biomass in the last years. Good year classes have not been registered recently. Witch flounder is very scarce and its indices fluctuated throughout the series reaching the minimum value in 2014 and increasing since 2015. 2017 value is among the highest in the series. Recruitment was quite good at the beginning of the series but poor in recent year

Results from Bottom Trawl Survey on Flemish Cap of June-July 2020

A stratified random bottom trawl survey on Flemish Cap was carried out from 30 June to 29 July 2020. The area surveyed was extended up to depths of 800 fathoms (1460 meters) following the same procedures as in previous years and 181 fishing stations planned. The survey was carried out by the R/V Vizconde de Eza with the usual survey gear (Lofoten). A total of 181 valid hauls were made by the vessel R/V Vizconde de Eza, 120 up to 730 meters depth and 61 up to 1460 meters. Survey results including abundance indices of the main commercial species and age distributions for cod, redfish, American plaice, Greenland halibut, roughhead grenadier, squid and shrimp are presented. The general indexes for this year are estimated taken into account the traditional swept area (strata 1-19, up to depths of 730 m.) and the total area surveyed (strata 1-34, up to depths of 1460 m.).Versión del editor

Changes in Greenland Halibut Growth, Condition and Fecundity in the Northwest Atlantic (Flemish Pass, Flemish Cap and Southern Grand Bank)

The Greenland halibut fishable stock has been declining substantially since late-1980s, according to both surveys and commercial fishery indices, particularly among the ages 10+, which corresponds to the females age at 50% maturity. In this paper it is reviewed the effect of this apparent reduction in the stock abundance in two main groups of biological parameters, namely growth and reproductive parameters, since late-1980s. Among growth parameters, the analysis of the first year growth is undertaken both by cohort and by geographic areas, assuming that density dependence might be the most severe at younger age classes. This is made using records of the respective first annual ring otolith diameters. Other growth related index such as the condition factor is also analysed. About the reproductive parameters, two aspects, are considered: the interannual variations in length-at-maturity and in the potential fecundity. A common feature observed is the relative stability of those characteristic through the period analysed, which could support a certain resiliency of the life history traits in this species

Northern Shrimp (Pandalus borealis, Krøyer) from EU-Spain Bottom Trawl Survey 2013 in NAFO Div. 3LNO

The Spanish Institute of Oceanography carried out in 2013 two bottom trawl surveys in the NAFO Regulatory Area in Division 3NO and 3L during the months of June and August respectively. The results on Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) are presented and compared with those from previous surveys from the same series. Although in 2013 the shrimp catch (8.955 kg.) and estimated biomass (37.711 t.) in 3NO increased to 2011 level, the low values recorded confirm the decrease in the importance of shrimp catches from 2004. Similarly, in 3L Division, northern shrimp indices increased with respect to 2012 (62%) but remains at low level. Estimated biomass increased from 2003-2006; then, the values of these indices declined in 2007 (about 10%) and increased again in 2008 up to its historical maximum (149 265 t.). In 2009 is initiated a downward trend decreasing up to lowest values in 2012 in the survey series. In 2013 the biomass estimated 17 438 t. in 3L and 38 t. in 3NO were between the lowest in the Spanish surveys series. Catch results from the surveys and data analysis are discussed in this paper

Northern Shrimp (Pandalus borealis, Krøyer) from Spanish Bottom Trawl Survey 2012 in NAFO Div. 3LNO

The Spanish Institute of Oceanography carried out in 2012 two bottom trawl surveys in the NAFO Regulatory Area in Division 3NO and 3L during the months of June and August respectively. The results on Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) are presented and compared with those from previous surveys from the same series. In 2012 the catch (0.923 kg.) and estimated biomass (3.864 t.) confirm the decrease of shrimp importance from 2004 in 3NO. In 3L Division, northern shrimp indices show consecutive and drastic declines (55.7% with respect to 2011) and confirm the downward trend initiated in 2009. Estimated biomass increased from 2003-2006; then, the values of these indices declined in 2007 (about 10%) and increased again in 2008 up to its historical maximum (149265 t.). In 2012 the biomass estimated 10784 t. in 3L and 4 t. in 3NO were the lowest in the Spanish surveys series. Catch results from the surveys and data analysis are discussed in this paper