Abundance and Biomass for American Plaice from the Surveys Conducted by Spain in the NAFO Regulatory Area of Divisions 3NO: 1995-2000

Abstract

Since 1995, a stratified random spring bottom trawl survey in the NAFO Regulatory Area of Div. 3NO was conducted by Spain. The depth strata surveyed was extended to 1464 m. The main propose of the surveys was obtain abundance and biomass indices for the commercial species in the area (American plaice, yellowtail flounder, Greenland halibut, cod, witch, roughead grenadier and thorny skate). Following the recommendations of the 2000 Scientific Council Meeting, the entire series of abundance and biomass for American Plaice, the description of the survey design, the specifications and the geometry of the sampling trawl used in the Spanish spring survey in Div. 3NO, are presented for the period 1995-2000. The indices calculated from the survey series, shows an increasing in the American plaice abundance and biomass in the area.