Dataset: cod pots: catch and size
Deployment: NEC-MP2007-2

POTYEAR: Determining the Seasonality of Cod Pots: fish catch,size
Principal Investigator: 
Michael Pol (Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries)
BCO-DMO Data Manager: 
Nancy Copley (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, WHOI BCO-DMO)
Version Date: 
2011-11-08
Description

Newfoundland-style, large, large-mesh static pots were compared to Norwegian-style, smaller, small-mesh, off-bottom, dynamic pots in a controlled study from a commercial fishing vessel from November 2008-November 2009. Results from analysis indicate that cod were most vulnerable to pots during a limited season, and that the smaller mesh pot caught more small cod. Otherwise, the pots performed similarly. We conclude that either pot style may be effective for further development, that seasonality plays an important role and should be exploited for further testing, and observation of near-field behavior in cod near pots is still vital and problematic.

Objectives for continued development of cod pots:

1. To compare catch rates and sizes of Atlantic cod captured in Norwegian and Newfoundland cod pots;
2. To compare catch rates and sizes of Atlantic cod over eight months;
3. To observe Atlantic cod behavior in reaction to bait and to cod pots.

More information about this dataset deployment