In 1998, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) published an atlas called "Traditional Fisheries Knowledge for the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence". The document is composed of a series of maps that contain useful information primarily on nearshore fisheries and fish habitat in the eastern shore of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and the Gulf Shore of Nova Scotia. It was used as a working tool to assist in the development of integrated coastal zone management plans, resource management plans, and more.Between 1994 and 1997, data collectors and fishery officers interviewed local fishers and industry representatives. The purpose of these interviews was primarily to gain information on local fishing activities and the location of fisheries' resources and their habitats. The data and information was vetted through a process of verification with scientists, fishers, locals, industry representatives, and government officials. Maps were then compiled for 14 commercially important fish species and made publicly available to consult. These include lobster, rock crab, scallop, snow crab, toad crab, herring, mackerel, American plaice, cod, witch flounder (grey sole), hake, halibut, winter flounder, and unspecified groundfish. This data resource also includes the other 27 species originally not included in the atlas.

2014 to 2023 demersal fish abundance in the Estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The abundance is expressed as a number of individuals per normalized trawl set. Each species is individually represented in the northern Gulf and in the southern Gulf. Input data are from the annual August (North) and September (South) multidisciplinary surveys.The demersal species represented are: Alewife, Alligatorfish, American Plaice, Arctic Alligatorfish, Arctic Hookear Sculpin, Arctic Shanny, Arctic Staghorn Sculpin, Atlantic Cod, Atlantic Eelpout, Atlantic Halibut, Atlantic Hookear Sculpin, Atlantic Poacher, Atlantic Spiny Lumpsucker, Atlantic Wolffish, Black Dogfish, Blacksnout Seasnail, Brill/Windowpane, Common Grenadier, Common Wolf Eel, Cunner, Daubed Shanny, Esmark's Eelpout, Fish Doctor, Fourbeard Rockling, Fourline Snakeblenny, Greenland Cod, Greenland Halibut, Haddock, Longfin Hake, Longhorn Sculpin, Lowfin Snailfish, Monkfish, Goosefish, Moustache Sculpin, Newfoundland Eelpout, Northern Hagfish, Ocean Pout, Rockfishes, Sea Sculpin, Sea Tadpole, Shorthorn Sculpin, Smooth Skate, Snakeblenny, Spatulate Sculpin, Spiny Dogfish, Spinytail Skate, Spotted Wolffish, Stout Eelblenny, Thorny Skate, Twohorn Sculpin, Vahl's Eelpout, Variegated Snailfish, White Hake, Winter Flounder, Winter Skate, Witch Flounder, Wolf Eelpout, Wrymouth and Yellowtail Flounder.PurposeSince 1990, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has been conducting an annual multidisciplinary survey in the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence using a standardized protocol. In the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, these bottom trawl surveys has been carrying out each September since 1971. These missions are an important source of information about the status of the marine ressources.The objectives of the surveys are multiple: to estimate the abundance and biomass of groundfish and invertebrates, to identify the spatial distribution and biological characteristics of these species, to monitor the biodiversity of the Estuary and Gulf and finally, to describe the environmental conditions observed in the area at the moment of the sampling.The southern Gulf surveys are realized using the following standardized protocol:Hurlbut,T. and D.Clay (eds) 1990. Protocols for Research Vessel Cruises within the Gulf Region (Demersal Fish) (1970-1987). Can. MS Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. No. 2082: 143p.The sampling protocols used for the Estuary and northern Gulf surveys are described in details in the following publications:Bourdages, H., Archambault, D., Bernier, B., Fréchet, A., Gauthier, J., Grégoire, F., Lambert, J., et Savard, L. 2010. Résultats préliminaires du relevé multidisciplinaire de poissons de fond et de crevette d’août 2009 dans le nord du golfe du Saint-Laurent. Rapp. stat. can. sci. halieut. aquat. 1226 : xii+ 72 p. Bourdages, H., Archambault, D., Morin, B., Fréchet, A., Savard, L., Grégoire, F., et Bérubé, M. 2003. Résultats préliminaires du relevé multidisciplinaire de poissons de fond et de crevette d’août 2003 dans le nord du golfe du Saint-Laurent. Secr. can. consult. sci. du MPO. Doc. rech. 2003/078. vi + 68 p.Annual reports are available at the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS), (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/index-eng.htm).Bourdages, H., Brassard, C., Desgagnés, M., Galbraith, P., Gauthier, J., Légaré, B., Nozères, C. and Parent, E. 2017. Preliminary results from the groundfish and shrimp multidisciplinary survey in August 2016 in the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2017/002. v + 87 p.

PURPOSE:These data have been updated following a Canadian Science Advice Secretariat (CSAS) Regional Science Advisory Process. Associated publications are available in the citation section below or will be posted on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science Advisory Schedule as they become available.DESCRIPTION:The yearly biomass estimates of Gulf of St. Lawrence Witch Flounder were obtained using a Bayesian Schaefer Surplus Production model as part of the stock assessment to year 2021.The yearly estimates presented come from Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations. The yearly median estimates are provided, along with uncertainty estimates (2.5th, 25th, 75th and 97.5th percentiles). The values are in thousands of tons of 30+ cm biomass.USE LIMITATION:To ensure scientific integrity and appropriate use of the data, we would encourage you to contact the data custodian.

PURPOSE:Provide presence/absence and abundance data for the non-indigenous and invasive European green crab (EGC) in selected southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (sGSL) estuaries along the Northumberland Strait coast of New-Brunswick and eastern Prince-Edward-Island.DESCRIPTION:Temporal monitoring during ice-free seasons of European green crab abundance is completed in response to previous regional population declines in the Maritime provinces. Note that where presence is not indicated on the map does not mean absence - this survey is limited to a few sites.Traps that did not fish correctly were not included in the dataset. Examples of defective traps include: an open trap, an open bait container, a trap filled with algae and falling into the open position, a trap that has not been fished for over 48 hours, an overturned trap, or a trap that has been significantly moved or otherwise tampered with.Population estimates are not derived from this data. PARAMETERS COLLECTED:1) EGC count, size measurement, sex, and catch weight2) Counts of bycatch species. Categories reported in this dataset are finfish (cunner, striped bass, mummichog, winter flounder, smooth flounder, sculpin, tomcod, American eel, banded killifish, flounder, unknown bony fish), Atlantic rock crab, American lobster, and other (lion's mane jellyfish, moon jellyfish, other crabs, moon snail). Other smaller species were often in the trap but were not included as bycatch in this dataset as they can easily escape the mesh size and would not consistently be trapped. 3) Environmental data: water depth at trap setting, sediment type, vegetation types noted, salinity, water temperature, dissolved oxygen (not included), specific conductance (not included), conductivity (not included), weather, cloud cover (not included), tide state and direction (upon fishing).NOTES ON QUALITY CONTROL:Data entry of morphological parameters randomly verified for accuracy.Weights are not reported for PEI sites due to inconsistencies with types of weighing scales and measurement protocols.PHYSICAL SAMPLE DETAILS:Whole European green crab specimensSAMPLING METHODS:Baited trapping with Fukui traps. Bait was in a bait can or bag. Types of bait included herring (predominant type used), as well as other species when herring were not available (gaspereau, canned fish [tuna, kippers, snack sardines], mackerel, tilapia, and perch).USE LIMITATION:To ensure scientific integrity and appropriate use of the data, we would encourage you to contact the data custodian.

PURPOSE:Support age-structured population stock assessments and research on fish growth.DESCRIPTION:Fish otoliths are collected from scientific surveys, fisheries observers on fishing vessels and from scientific sampling of commercial fisheries. The otoliths collected are placed in paper envelopes, recorded and held in a climate-controlled storage facility. Atlantic herring otoliths are mounted and glued to acrylic trays. Age determination is performed yearly on available samples. Digital images of each pair of otoliths collected are captured when possible.The information made available through this metadata record is the summary of otoliths present in the collection at the Gulf Fisheries Centre in Moncton, NB, Canada. The number of otoliths available from different sources by year and month is provided for the following stocks:- Atlantic Cod, NAFO Divisions 4T / 4VN (Nov. to Apr.)- White Hake, NAFO Division 4T - American Plaice, NAFO Division 4T - Winter Flounder, NAFO Division 4T - Yellowtail Flounder, NAFO Division 4T - Witch Flounder, NAFO Divisions 4RST - Atlantic Herring, NAFO Division 4T - Skate species, NAFO Division 4T There is additional information of observed sex, length, weight and age information of fish specimens made by trained Fisheries and Oceans Canada technicians that can be made available upon request. PARAMETERS COLLECTED:length (biological), age (biological)NOTES ON QUALITY CONTROL:Reference collections for certain species exist and are used to train technicians and to calibrate the age readings obtained by the fisheries technicians that use the otoliths for age estimation. Digital images of the otoliths that are part of the reference collection are available and used for calibration and training purposes. The otolith images are also authoritatively annotated by fisheries technicians.PHYSICAL SAMPLE DETAILS:Fish otoliths, skate vertebraeSAMPLING METHODS:Marine fish otoliths are obtained from fish specimens collected during research surveys and during scientific sampling of commercial fisheries. The sagittal otoliths are removed from sampled specimens, recorded, placed in a protective medium and held in a climate-controlled storage facility. Digital images of each pair of otoliths collected are captured when possible.USE LIMITATION:To ensure scientific integrity and appropriate use of the data, we would encourage you to contact the data custodian.

PURPOSE:These data have been updated following a Canadian Science Advice Secretariat (CSAS) Regional Science Advisory Process. Associated publications are available in the citation section below or will be posted on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science Advisory Schedule as they become available.Determine the stock status of southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Atlantic Cod. DESCRIPTION:The yearly spawning stock biomass estimates of southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Atlantic Cod were obtained using a Statistical Catch-at-Age model as part of the stock assessment to year 2023.The yearly estimates presented come from Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations. The yearly median estimates are provided, along with uncertainty estimates (2.5th, 25th, 75th and 97.5th percentiles). The values are in thousands of tons of spawning stock biomass. USE LIMITATION:To ensure scientific integrity and appropriate use of the data, we would encourage you to contact the data custodian.

This report describes an analysis of Maritimes Region inshore lobster logbook data reported at a grid level, including Bay of Fundy Disputed Zone data reported at the coordinate level. Annual and composite (2015–2019) grid maps were produced for landings, number of trap hauls, and the same series standardized by grid area, as well as maps of catch weight per number of trap hauls as an index of catch per unit effort (CPUE). Spatial differences in fishing pressure, landings, and CPUE are indicated, and potential mapping applications are outlined. Mapping the distribution and intensity of inshore lobster fishing activity has management applications for spatial planning and related decision support. The lack of region-wide latitude and longitude coordinates for inshore lobster effort and landings limits the utility of commercial logbook data for marine spatial planning purposes.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) conducts an annual summer multidisciplinary scientific survey with a bottom trawl in the Estuary and the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence since 1984. Over the years this survey has been conducted on four vessels: the MV Lady Hammond (1984-1990), the CCGS Alfred Needler (1990-2005), the CCGS Teleost (2004-2021) and the CCGS Cabot (2022-current). It is important to note that the objectives, the methods used and the identification of the species during these surveys have improved over time in response to DFO requests and mandates. The data are therefore not directly comparable between these surveys. The specificities of the missions onboard the CCGS Alfred Needler are described below.Objectives:1. Assess groundfish and northern shrimp population abundance and condition2. Assess environmental conditions3. Conduct a biodiversity inventory of benthic and demersal megafauna4. Monitor the pelagic ecosystem5. Collect samples for various research projectsSurvey descriptionThe survey covers the divisions 4R, 4S, 3Pn and the northern part of division 4T of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO). This survey follows a stratified random sampling design and the fishing gear used on the CCGS Alfred Needler is a URI shrimp trawl (81'/114'). Standard trawling tows last 25 minutes, starting from the time the trawl touched the sea floor. Towing speed is 3 knots.DataFor each fishing tow, the catch is sorted and weighed by taxa; individuals are then counted and biological data are collected on a subsample. For fish, crab and squid, size and weight are measured by individual and, for some species, sex, gonad maturity, and the weight of certain organs (stomach, liver, gonads) are also evaluated. The soft rays of the anal fin are counted for redfish, and the otoliths are collected for several species such as witch flounder, Atlantic cod, Greenland halibut and Atlantic halibut. A roughly 2-kg shrimp sample is sorted and weighed by species (and by stage of maturity for northern shrimp). The shrimps are measured individually. The other invertebrates are counted (no individual measurements) and photographed.The biological data are divided into 5 files: a “Metadata” file containing set information, a “Catches” file containing catches per set for fish taxa, a “Carbio” file containing biological and morphometric measurements per individual, a “Freql” file containing the length frequency of fish and a “Shrimps” file containing information on shrimp catches.It's important to note that this is raw data. Only sets considered successful are retained. In each set, all species are kept, with a few exceptions. For more information please contact the data management team (gddaiss-dmsaisb@dfo-mpo.gc.ca).

Fisheries landings and effort mapping of the inshore lobster fishery on the DFO Maritimes Region statistical grid (2012-2014). This report describes an analysis of Maritimes Region inshore lobster logbook data reported at a grid level, including Bay of Fundy Grey Zone data reported at the coordinate level. Annual and composite (2012–2014) grid maps were produced for landings, number of license-days fished, number of trap hauls, and the same series standardized by grid area, as well as maps of catch weight per number of trap hauls as an index of catch per unit effort (CPUE). Spatial differences in fishing pressure, landings, and CPUE are indicated, and potential mapping applications are outlined. Mapping the distribution and intensity of inshore lobster fishing activity has management applications for spatial planning and related decision support. The lack of region-wide latitude and longitude coordinates for lobster effort and landings limits the utility of commercial logbook data for marine spatial planning purposes.

Historical finds of Operophtera brumata