American sea scallop
Eastern Georges Bank
Profile updated on 15 April 2024
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
IDENTIFICATION
SCIENTIFIC NAME(s)
Placopecten magellanicus
SPECIES NAME(s)
American sea scallop
Genetic differentiation between banks is considered weak due to gene flow but there are recruitment and growth regional variations that support the consideration of distinct assessment and management units (Caddy et al. 2010): Eastern Scotian Shelf (SFA 25), St. Pierre Bank (SFA 10, 11, 12), Browns and German Banks (SFA 26) and Eastern Georges Bank (SFA 27A). SFA 27 was divided into 'A' and 'B' in 1998 (each with different TACs) due to differences in productivity and historical fishing patterns (DFO, 2018). Stock status updates are conducted annually by the management body (Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada), through the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) (DFO, 2023).
ANALYSIS
- For Georges Bank ‘A’, which accounts for >70% off the offshore scallop fishery landings in the Canadian Maritimes, annual TACs are set based on an analytical assessment model that incorporates annual survey data and commercial fisheries data. DFO’s Precautionary Approach ensures that the Management decisions based on this advice maintain the resources in Georges Bank ‘A’ in the ‘Healthy Zone’ (DFO, 2023).
SCORES
Management Quality:
≥ 6
10.0
10.0
