Data Conversions for American Plaice from the Surveys Conducted by Spain in the NAFO Regulatory Area of Divisions 3NO, 1995-2002

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 1464m. The main propose of the surveys was obtain abundance and biomass indices and population structure for the commercial species in the area. In 2001, the trawl vessel was replaced in the realizacion of the trawls; so, the time series indices were transformed. The transformed entire series of abundance, biomass and lenght distribution for American plaice are presented for the period 1995-2000, and the no-transformed data for the years 2001 and 2002. The standard deviation was re shown for abundance and biomass. A decreasing in American plaice abundance and biomass is observed in last years. A high percent of juvenile individuals shows a good recruitment in recent years.