The commercial groundfish industry in Nova Scotia is diverse and widespread, involving approximately 3300 boats and 5500 fishermen. Although dramatic stock declines in the early 1990's have reduced landings and industry activity, there are bright spots in certain areas, as well as some signs of improvement in others. In 2004, the landed values for all groundfish species are approximately 65,540 m.t., worth $75 million.

Nova Scotia has different fishing regions broadly based on coastline, oceanography and biological ecosystem characteristics. The four main regions are Gulf of St. Lawrence / Newfoundland, Scotian Shelf, Bay of Fundy (Scotia - Fundy) and Georges Bank. These are subdivided into fishing zones, or management divisions, based on the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) system. Fish species are characterized as stocks, subdivided within these defined zones.

The groundfish sector is currently under significant economic pressure due to US dollar exchange rate, fuel costs and low market prices.

Methods of Fishing

Fish harvest is accomplished by a number of methods, but fishing generally falls into either mobile or fixed gear. Fixed gear is stationary in nature and left to fish passively for a period of time by attracting or trapping fish. The main methods using bait are hand lining, trawl or long line. Gillnets are also used in some areas. Mobile gear is towed behind a boat to actively capture fish in areas where they are concentrated with bottom and pelagic trawls of various designs and sizes.

There are also many different types of boats and fleet sectors generally categorized by length, size and method of fishing. For example, less than 45 feet, 45-65 feet, 65-100 feet or >100 feet, which can use either mobile (i.e. otter trawl) or fixed gear (i.e. gillnets).

Species Allocations and Quotas

Approximately 20 different species are landed in the waters surrounding Nova Scotia. The main commercial species fished are haddock, cod, halibut, redfish, pollock, silver hake, American plaice, yellowtail flounder, winter flounder and grey sole. Lesser amounts of white hake, turbot, cusk, catfish (Atlantic Wolffish) and monkfish are landed frequently as bycatch. (incidental catch when fishing for another species).

Quotas and Allocations

Stocks are defined and allocated within each region under a total allowable catch (TAC) quota system. Generally, levels are set annually by the federal Minister of Fisheries, after a scientific and management assessment by DFO, and industry consultation process through advisory committees. There are also numerous management measures, protocols and restrictions governing types of vessels, gear, seasons, area closures, fish size etc. through regulations or condition of license. Environmental legislation such as Species at Risk Act (SARA) and the precautionary approach are also being integrated into fish management in Canada.

Overview of areas, quotas and status of stocks surrounding Nova Scotia - (may include possible overlaps in management areas and fisheries involving other provinces or jurisdictions, and TACs exceeding 12-month time periods).

More detailed information may be obtained by consulting the specific species Science Advisory Reports (SAR's) or management information available through the Department of Fisheries & Oceans websites.

Gulf of St. Lawrence/Newfoundland (Area 4RST, 3Ps, 3Pn, 4Vn)

The Gulf area has a very complex management regime related to five gear sectors and the involvement of five provinces. As well, the migratory nature in and out of the Gulf of most species living there relate to seasonal changes and further complicates fishing strategies, resource allocation and management.

• Atlantic Cod (4TVn) - The stock continues to be at historically low levels but there are indications of improved recruitment.


• Atlantic Cod (3Pn4RS) - Stock is at historically very low levels but improving. There is considerable uncertainty as to the actual stock status due to questions surrounding the assessment model and scientific data.


• American Plaice (4T) - Abundance and recruitment remain poor with concentrations in eastern 4T. There has been an overall slow decline in stock status the last few years in the Gulf.


• White Hake (4T) - Stock at very low levels and concentrated in eastern areas of the Gulf. There are few commercial adult size fish in the current population. Catches restricted to bycatch only.


• Witch Flounder (Grey Sole) (4RST) - Overall abundance for the area is historically low. However, there are improved catches in eastern areas of the Gulf near Northern Cape Breton and indications of improving recruitment.


• Winter Flounder (4T) - Abundance remains low relative to historical levels.


• Yellow Tail Flounder (4T) - Currently at stable low levels.


• Atlantic Halibut (4RST)- At stable but historical low levels may be increasing.


• Redfish (Unit 1) 4RST+3Pn - Redfish grow very slowly and depend upon infrequent but high recruitment pulses. Stock is at very low levels due to low recruitment since 1980.

Georges Bank Stocks (Area 5Z)

• Georges Bank has a prolific biological production potential due to food supply, tidal mixing and warm temperatures, reflected in rapid growth rates of most species that live there. As with other areas, Georges Bank has suffered from over exploitation of all stocks during the past few years, although strong recovery is evident in some species. Georges Bank is managed by both USA and Canada and the three commercial stocks are trans - boundary in nature. TAC is expressed as total removals for both USA and Canada, based on fish distribution relative to the International Hague Line. Discussions between the USA and Canada are continuing on increased cooperation and co- management of the bank.


• Cod (5Z) - Biomass levels are currently very low with an improved outlook for recruitment of juveniles.


• Haddock (5Z) - Haddock stocks are rapidly recovering. The stock is expected to remain healthy and increase to record high levels over the next few years.


• Yellowtail Flounder (5Z) - Stocks have declined and distribution has changed to the USA in recent years.

Scotian Shelf Stocks (4Vn, 4Vs, 4W, 4X, SubArea 5)

The Scotian Shelf comprises the main fishing grounds in Nova Scotia and has at least five zones and numerous stocks and sub-stocks. In general, most stocks remain very depleted and fragile as a result of past heavy fishing pressure. There have also been significant environmental changes related to water temperature and oceanography over the past decade, which has also had an impact on fish abundance, species and distribution. Seal populations continue to rise on Sable Island , increasing the threat of predation on stocks, particularly on eastern Scotian Shelf. Haddock appears to be rebuilding in some areas, however cod continues to show little sign of rebuilding even with reduced fishing effort. All species show slow or stunted growth resulting in a smaller average size and reduced fisheries yield at older ages. Fish abundance and distribution has become concentrated more in the western areas with a corresponding fishing effort in this area (Bay of Fundy)

• Atlantic Pollock (4vWX, SA5Z) - Stocks remain depleted with a constricted geographic range. Average size and age of fish have decreased in recent years. Overall abundance is at historical lows. Due to the somewhat pelagic behavior of the species, there are many scientific unknowns related to measuring stock status.


• Atlantic Cod (4X) - Juvenile recruitment and biomass are considered low for this stock, although there is considerable uncertainty regarding stock status. This stock is utilized by a very large number of fishing vessels and sectors.


• Haddock (4X5Y) - Stock size and landings are currently stable. Recruitment is strong which should support continued growth in the near term. Condition and average fish size are low but increasing.


• Cod (4VsW) - Fishery is currently closed. Most stock indicators continue to be very poor. There is a small sign of increase in recruitment, but significant improvement is not expected in the near term.


• Cod (4VN resident - May to October) - Fishery is currently closed to directed fishing, although there is a sentinel fishery. Stock indicators and outlook continue very poor. Questions remain related to stock mixing with 4T due to seasonal migrations of cod from the Gulf of St. Lawrence.


• Haddock (4TVN) - Fishery currently closed. There is significant recruitment of small fish occurring, biomass and numbers are very high, however length and weight at age are at historic lows. The potential for re - opening of this fishery is being studied.


• Haddock (4X) - Stock is in a rebuilding phase with a positive outlook. Recruitment trends look very positive but fish size is decreasing at age.


• Flatfish (4VWX) - Winter flounder, American plaice, yellowtail flounder, witch flounder) - Overall, most flatfish species in this area are in decline or at low levels. Witch flounder is slightly better in over status with some positive indicators present. American plaice stock status is poor.


• Silver Hake (4VWX) - This fishery is prosecuted mainly by Canadians through both commercial and developmental quotas. Harvest strategies, methods and markets continue to be developed and improved. Biomass is low relative to historical levels, but recruitment remains strong. Stock structure is dominated by age 1 and 2 year old fish.


• Argentine (4VWX) - Very little detailed biological knowledge is available regarding this stock.


• Skates (4VsW) - Overall abundance is at historic low levels.


• Atlantic Wolffish (4VWX+5YZc) - This catch is limited to bycatch only due to low overall biomass and abundance.


• White Hake (4VWX5Z) - This stock is limited to bycatch only. Landings have declined to historic lows. There is a lack of data regarding stock structure and spawning components are not well understood. Stock status is improving in Western areas.


• Cusk (4VWX) - Stocks are at historic lows and range to restricted to western areas of 4X. Catches are restricted to bycatch only.


• Monkfish (4VWX) - Monkfish is generally a bycatch of commercial groundfish and scallop fishing, and no TAC is established. Catches are restricted to bycatch only.


• Atlantic Halibut (4VWX5Z and 3NOPS) - Stocks appear to be improving. Biological information is scarce for this species.


• Unit 2 Redfish (3Ps4Vs4Wfg + 3Pn 4Vn) - Stock is stable at a low level. Recruitment has been poor in recent years with the 1980 and 1988 year classes maintaining the population. This area has two species of redfish Sebastes fasciatus and Sebastes mentella.


• Unit 3 Redfish (4WdehklX) - Stock remains stable. This stock is comprised mainly of the species Sebastes fasciatus which is different from the mixture found in Units 1&2.