The Spanish Fishery (1998, 2000-2002) and the Spanish 3NO Survey (1995-2002) in Relation to the Skate Fishery in NAFO Divisions 3NO.

Abstract

This paper analyses the data of the Spanish fishery (1998, 2000-2002) and the Spanish 3NO Survey (1995-2002) in relation to the Skate fishery in NAFO Div. 3NO. According to the distribution pattern of the fishing effort in 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2002, it may be concluded that the majority of the effort were performed in shallow waters of less than 100 m. and in the second half of the year. The species composition of catches show that thorny skate is the target specie and American plaice is the main bycatch species Other less important species in the by-catch are yellowtail flounder, witch flounder and cod. The percentage of SSB in the catches for yellowtail flounder is quite high and constant. For skate the values shows a increasing trend in biomass and abundance. For American plaice the values are very stables in all years excepting the last year where the percentage of abundance was rather low. Survey data shows that almost the 100% of the biomass and abundance of Yellowtail flounder was found in the stratum 0-91 m. For American plaice the percentage in the last years is more than 70%. For skate the values are very variable between years. Most of biomass and abundance of Witch flounder are outside of this stratum.