Results for the Spanish Survey in the NAFO Regulatory Area of Division 3L for the period 2003-2009

• Main Authors: Román-Marcote, Esther, González-Iglesias, María de la Concepción, González-Troncoso, Diana
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: Pesquerías; Survey; Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo; Flemish Pass; Greenland halibut; American plaice; witch flounder; Greenland; North Atlantic; Northwest Atlantic
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10508/711; http://hdl.handle.net/10261/328837

Since 2003, a stratified random summer bottom trawl survey was conducted by Spain in the NAFO Regulatory Area of Division 3L (Flemish Pass). The surveys were carried out by the R/V “Vizconde de Eza” using bottom trawl net type Campelen. Entire series of mean catches, biomass and length distribution for Greenland halibut, American plaice and witch flounder are presented for the period 2003-2009. Greenland halibut biomass and abundance estimates present a slight decrease this year; however, it remains one of the highest values of the series. A good recruitment, mainly in 2006, can be seeing; although the number of individuals of length over 70 cm. is very low. American plaice biomass has increased since 2004, reaching this year the highest value in the series. A presence of small individuals is observed in the last years. For witch flounder, the biomass slight decreased in 2009, but there is no a clear trend in the period 2003-2009.