Marine Resource Surveys on the Continental Shelf and Upper Slope off Washington, 1975 - 1976, Completion Report, July 1, 1975 to September 30, 1977

Identification Information

Citation

Originator: Barss, William H., Robert L. Demory, and Neil Ten Eyck

Publish Date: 1977

Online Link: None

BPA Project #:

Contact Information

Agency: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Name: Cedric Cooney

Job Position: Natural Resources Data and Systems Manager

Telephone: 503-947-6094

E-Mail Address: Cedric.X.Cooney@odfw.oregon.gov

Description

Abstract: Groundfish surveys off the Washington coast were conducted in September of 1975 and 1976 between Cape Flattery and the Columbia River. The primary purposes of the surveys were to obtain estimates of biomass and further our knowledge on population parameters of important groundfish species, especially flatfish, occupying the continental shelf and upper continental slope. Survey design was based on a 5x6 N. mi grid with a random starting point. Samples were obtained for age, size and sex composition from important flatfish species. Weights were obtained from all species of fish. Estimates of biomass, all species, were 143,447 and 147,303 metric tons in 1975 and 1976, respectively. Pacific hake and English sole were the most abundant species. Estimates of biomass and potential yield were determined for six species of flatfish. Data indicate that most flatfish species are not fully exploited, but several species may be nearing full utilization. Increased yield could be obtained without increased fishing effort if market demand would increase on certain under-utilized species. Several population parameters were obtained. Age, length-weight constants, total annual and fishing mortality rates and exploitation rate were estimated for six species of flatfish. Distribution and abundance was depicted for major species by catch maps. Distribution of some species was closely correlated with depth and sediment type. Increase in mean weight was associated with increasing depth for many species. Strong year classes were indicated for several species. Data suggests that the Astoria Canyon may separate Dover sole and also arrowtooth flounder stocks.

Purpose: This report summarizes study activities from July 1, 1975 through September 30, 1977. The project was a comprehensive marine resource survey of the continental shelf and upper continental slope off Washington between Cape Flattery and the Columbia River. Objectives were: to obtain estimates of biomass for demersal fishes with Particular emphasis on flatfish; to determine estimates for the population parameters of age composition, growth and mortality; to index year class strength of flatfishes important to the commercial trawl fishery prior to their recruitment to the fishery; and to estimate potential yield of selected species. Emphasis was placed on flatfish due to their historical importance to the Oregon trawl fishery.

Time Period of Content: 1975-1976

Geographic Extent: Washington Coast

Status: Final

Use Constraints:

Format: PDF file

Data Quality Information

Lineage-Source: National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Commercial Fisheries Research and Development Act, Project Nos. 1-108-R-1, 1-108-R-2 Contract Nos. N 04-6-208-41003, N 04-6-208-40037

Data Information

No data information was supplied.

Entity and Attribute Information

Attributes Description: Field attribute information is available in the attached file(s).

Bibliography Information

Field Name	Value
Biblio ID	1322
Year	1977
Publisher
Request Type	Report (FCO Marine Fish Pgm)
Location	Continental Shelf/WA
Date Created
Date Cataloged
Date Published	1977
Type
Pages	1-34
Volume
Status	0
Descriptor	Habitat; Continental Shelf/WA
Date Entered	1/1/1999
Location In Clackamas Library
Author
Duplicates
Number Remaining After Requests
Presumed All Distributed
Back Room Duplicates
Author	Barss, W.H.; Demory, R.L.; Ten Eyck, N.
Risk	Habitat
Species
Disposition Of Requests	Jean McCrae - 2: Requested, but no copies available

Is a physical copy maintained for reference at Headquarters? No