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Feature Articles
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Preliminary report on the 2001 fall inshore trawl survey
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This article is reprinted with permission of Commercial Fisheries News, the Northeast's fishing newspaper for over 30 years, ©2003 Compass Publications Inc. Commercial Fisheries News is published monthly; annual subscriptions are $21.95. To subscribe or request a sample issue: call (877) 263-4496; fax (207) 367-2490; e-mail (cfoster@fish-news.com); or click on the hot link.
BOOTHBAY HARBOR, ME - Many thanks are due all fishermen who cooperated with the fall inshore trawl survey by moving gear. The survey was conducted starting in late September and continued through October.
We were able to collect good information on groundfish and other stocks including lobster. Compared to last fall, we saw more cod, haddock, grey sole, and both American and shortnosed sturgeon. We also encountered a large catch of spawning herring in Saco Bay. Silver hake (whiting) was abundant at all the deeper strata tows.
Unlike last year, we did not see scup, black sea bass, or menhaden (pogies). Lobster abundance seemed low as compared to last year but this may have been a result of not being able to tow in some of the Downeast shallow areas where abundance was higher. The majority of lobsters measured were hard shell and sublegal size.
Several unanticipated problems emerged. Apparently some fishermen were caught off guard by the earlier timing and different tow locations compared to last year. Although most fishermen knew that the survey would be earlier and stations would be different; it seems word did not get through to everyone. In addition, the new Emergency 911 addresses resulted in some mailings not being delivered.
As a result of both of these, Marine Patrol Officers had to clear more gear from tows than they did last year. Weather seemed to be more of a problem this year as well.
We may need to reconsider sticking to such a tight schedule. This policy was made at the request of fishermen and overall is a good one. However, after getting into gear in Saco Bay on a day when bad weather prevented fishermen from getting out to move traps, we are now looking at how to adjust operations to account for bad weather.
Regarding the resistance to the survey we encountered Downeast, we are resolved to work through the problems as we approach next spring and fall when the survey will again take place. Since the beginning, we have been addressing issues and believe we are making steady progress. Some issues simply take more time and require collection of real data.
We hope we can work with the fishing community and involve them to resolve all the issues to their satisfaction. The value of the survey is simply too great to not try.
If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Sally Sherman, chief scientist for the survey, at (207) 633-9503 or John Sowles at (207) 633-9518.
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