Proposal Number

Title

Description

Recipient

 Principal Investigator

Project Period

Final Report

00-SCA-003

Examination of population biology and dynamics of the sea scallop in discrete areas of Georges Bank

To examine scallop abundance and spatial distribution on several scales (cm, m, km), associated macroinvertebrate benthic community and substrate in open and closed areas of Georges Bank. To identify areas with high concentrations of small (<80mm) scallops.

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth - SMAST

00-SCAII-001

Sea scallop fishery bycatch reduction

This project will test the effectiveness of two types of bycatch reduction gear: the “fish sweep” and “excluder rings” in reducing the bycatch of finfish in sea scallop gear.

Coonamessett Farm

00-SCAII-002

Examination of Population Biology and Dynamics of the Sea Scallop in Discrete Areas of Georges Bank

This project will assess the Georges Bank scallop population and the effects of fishing with three objectives: 1) examine the scallop abundance and spatial distribution on several scales (cm, m, km), associated macroinvertebrate benthic community and substrate in open and closed areas of Georges Bank 2) identify areas with high concentrations of small (<80mm) scallops 3) conduct Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) environmental study on scallop abundance, spatial distribution, and associated macroinvertebrate benthic community

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth - SMAST

00-SCAII-004

Performance evaluation of a 4.0" ring scallop dredge in the context of area management strategy for sea scallops

This project will evaluate the performance of a 4” ring dredge relative to the presently regulated 3.5” ring dredge in the context of a closed/open management strategy only. This evaluation will be conducted in the Georges Bank Closed Area I (CAI) and the Nantucket Lightship Closed Area (NLCA) during their respective openings during 2000.

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

00-SCAII-005

Georges Bank scallop exemption program, closed area access

To conduct a systematic survey of scallop resources in the Mid-Atlantic Closed areas (Hudson Canyon and Virginia Beach) using commercial sea scallops vessels. Pre-determined stations will be sampled using commercial scallop fishing gear. A strategy similar to the sampling strategy used for the Experimental Fishery in Closed Area II on Georges Bank will be used.

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

01-SCA-001

Evaluation of bycatch reduction devices to facilitate summer flounder escapement from sea scallop trawls

This project will examine the efficacy of both soft and rigid bycatch reduction devices (BRD) for the reduction of summer flounder bycatch in sea scallop trawl nets. The project will also assess whether BRDs result in a concomitant escapement of the target species (sea scallops).

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

01-SCAII-002

Performance evaluation of a 4.0" ring scallop dredge in the context of area management strategy for sea scallops

This project will evaluate the performance of a 4” ring dredge relative to the presently regulated 3.5” ring dredge in the context of a closed/open management strategy only. This evaluation will be conducted in the Hudson Canyon Closed Area (HCCA) with two trips scheduled for June and September 2001.

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

02-SCA-001

Evaluation of Bycatch Reduction Devices to Facilitate Summer Flounder Escapement from Scallop Trawls Closed Area Access

This project will examine the efficacy of both soft and rigid bycatch reduction devices (BRD) for the reduction of summer flounder bycatch in sea scallop trawl nets. The project will also assess whether BRDs result in a concomitant escapement of the target species (sea scallops).

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

02-SCAII-002

Examination of the Sea Scallop, Placopecten magellanicus, Recruitment in Closed and Open Areas of Georges Bank.

This project examines sea scallop recruitment in the Nantucket Lightship Closed Area (NLCA)and the open area on the Great South Channel (GSC). The project’s objectives are: 1) examine scallop abundance, size and spatial distribution and associated macroinvertebrate benthic community and substrate in unsurveyed areas of the GSC; 2) continue the video survey time series of the NLCA; 3) examine growth and migration of scallops in the GSC.

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth - SMAST

03-SCA-002

Industry Trials of a Modified Sea Scallop Dredge to Minimize the Catch of Sea Turtles

Investigate gear design changes to the scallop dredge to better understand the nature of the sea turtle/scallop dredge interactions. Research will include minimizing the catch of sea turtles by scallop dredge through the use of a chain mat covering the mouth or opening of the dredge.

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

03-SCA-003

Comparison of Habitats Supporting High and Low Sea Scallop, Placopecten magellanicus, Densities on Georges Bank

To conduct research that will compare habitats that support high densities of scallops with adjacent areas that appear to support low densities of scallops. It is proposed to examine scallop abundance, size and spatial distribution and associated macroinvertebrate benthic community and substrates in survey areas of the Great South Channel.

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

04-SCA-001

Examining the Effect of the 2004 Pulse Fishing Event on the Georges Bank and Closed Area Benthic Community

To test the hypothesis that the pulse fishing event of 2004 in the Nantucket Lightship Closed Area (NLCA) impacted the marine benthic community, this project will examine scallop abundance, spatial distribution on several scales (cm, m, km), and associated macroinvertebrate benthic community and substrate in the closed areas of Georges Bank that will and will not be exposed to fishing before and after the fishery. The project will measure any changes in species composition, density and distribution of macroinvertebrates and fish, and sediment type.

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth - SMAST

04-SCA-002

Development of an interactive video map detailing the benthic community of the Nantucket Lightship Closed Area and the Western Great South Channel.

This project will convert the analog video library from the 2004 Nantucket Lightship (NLCA) Umass Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) video cruise survey, among others, into individual video clips. Each clip and still image will be linked to the present SMAST video survey data set using an ArcGIS® based interactive map.

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth - SMAST

04-SCA-007

Characterization of Scallop Abundance and Benthic Habitat Using Optical Imaging Technology

This project will use a commercial vessel to collect continuous 1.5 meter wide strips of high-resolution imagery of the seafloor on the scallop fishing grounds by towing a digital camera system. Advanced feature extraction and substrate classification methods will be used to characterize the survey transects at scales of 10s, 100s, and 1000s of meters. A Web interface will be constructed to facilitate search, selection, and viewing of the imagery which will be made available via the internet for use in other research efforts.

Arnie's Fisheries, Inc.

04-SCA-008

Increasing Economic Return from the US Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery

This project’s primary objective is to document the temporal and spatial presence or absence of toxins potentially hazardous to human health found in gonads of the commercial range of Atlantic sea scallop. The secondary objective is to analyze gonad fraction through time over a large study area to identify when and where optimal harvest might occur. The final objective is to conduct a workshop with scientific, regulatory and industry partners to explore possible next steps for the development of a safe, commercial offshore roe-on scallop fishery.

Arnie's Fisheries, Inc

05-SCA-001

A Turtle Excluder Dredge for the Sea Scallop Fishery

This project will design and construct a dredge frame to limit interaction of sea turtles with scallop gear focusing on reducing interaction with the top of the frame or entrapping turtles under the bale or inside of the bag chain. The design will be value engineered so that scallop catch is not significantly reduced by utilizing commercial fishermen on commercial trips to test the dredge.

Coonamessett Farm, Inc

05-SCA-002

Multistage Centric Systematic Video Survey Design Verification

Study investigators will conduct a 6-day research video cruise to the northern portion of Nantucket Lightship Closed Area, similar to the 1999-2004 SMAST video cruises. Two of the sample areas will be inside the NLCA and two will be outside so that they survey both high and low density of scallops. The video footage will be used to compare a multistage centric systematic survey on two spatial scales to a simple random survey with 300 stations.

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth - SMAST

05-SCA-003

Examination of Benthic Substrates and Macroinvertebrate Distributions in the western Great South Channel and Nantucket Shoals

To characterize benthic and macroinvertebrate distributions in the western Great South Channel and Nantucket Shoals through continued use of SMAST’s photo based video survey. Data gathered from this study will enhance the understanding of benthic marine habitat, EDH, and the scallop resource, and will contribute to the body of information supporting management decisions.

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth - SMAST

05-SCA-004

An Assessment of Sea Scallop Abundance and Distribution in Selected Areas of Georges Bank and the Mid-Atlantic

To conduct a high resolution survey that details the distribution and biomass of exploitable size scallops in and adjacent to portions of the closed areas on Georges Bank and the Mid-Atlantic Bight. Specifically, Closed Area II, Nantucket Lightship Closed Area and the Elephant Trunk Closed Area. Investigators will survey pre-determined sampling stations within the Georges Bank and Mid-Atlantic sea scallop closed areas by simultaneously towing both a NMFS survey dredge and a standard commercial dredge (New Bedford style sea scallop dredge equipped with 4-inch rings and 10-inch twine top). Comparisons between the two gear types will provide estimates of selectivity for a commercial scallop dredge compliant with Amendment #10 to the sea scallop Fishery Management Plan.

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

05-SCA-005

Continued Investigation of the Marine Biotoxins along the Northwest Continental Atlantic Shelf

The project is designed to continue ongoing 2004 RSA-supported investigations of biotoxins along the Northwest Continental Atlantic shelf. This project will collect offshore scallop samples from commercial fishing vessels and the NOAA R/V Albatross during the 2006 fishing year. These samples will be used to continue development of two key baselines: a gonadsomatic index (GSI) by area and season, and screening and testing for marine Biotoxins at an increased spatial resolution.

Arnie’s Fisheries, Inc

05-SCA-006

Evaluation and Demonstration of Column Based Standard Scallop Bags for Enforcement and Dockside Monitoring of Trip Limits Output Controls to Control Scallop Mortality in the Sea Scallop Fishery

This project will investigate the utilization of standardized bags and bag trip limits as a replacement for pound limits for quota/possession limit management. It will develop protocols for the manufacture, distribution, record keeping, monitoring and enforcement for the utilization of standardized bags and VMS monitoring.

Coonamesset Farm

06-SCA-001

A New Dredge for the Sea Scallop Fishery

This project proposes to design and test a scallop dredge frame that will be lighter and stronger, and designed to reduce the capture and retention of sea turtles, skates, and flatfish species. As a continuation of efforts started in 1994, the new dredge will incorporate improvements to the design currently being tested on reducing sea turtle injury and mortality. Work will be conducted on optimizing the design for the reduction of groundfish bycatch using more appropriate materials and cross-sections.

Coonamesset Farm

06-SCA-005

Sea Turtle - Scallop Fishery Interaction Study

The project will place self-contained video cameras and recorders on commercially fished scallop dredges in the Mid-Atlantic area during the known periods of turtle interactions. Two dredges will be towed simultaneously, one as a control and one with a new frame design. The fishing characteristics and catch rates of various species encountered will be compared between the two dredges. In addition, side scan sonar will be tested to determine its feasibility as a way to locate turtles in the water column.

Coonamesset Farm

06-SCA-007

An Assessment of Sea Scallop Abundance and Distribution in Selected Closed Areas: Georges Bank Area 1, Nantucket Lightship and Elephant Trunk

The goal of this project is to conduct high-resolution surveys that detail the distribution and biomass of exploitable size scallops in and adjacent to the Georges Bank Closed Area 1 Access Area, Nantucket Lightship Access Area, and the Elephant Trunk Closed Area. Sampling will be accomplished by dredging at 100 stations from the overlaid grid. One 15’ commercial scallop dredge and one eight foot research scallop dredge will be towed for 15 minutes at 3.8 to 4.0 knots.

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

06-SCA-008

Examination of Benthic Substrates and Macroinvertebrate Distributions on the Northern Edge of Georges Bank

The proposed project will characterize distributions of benthic substrates and macroinvertebrates, including sea scallops, in 2021 km² of sea floor on the Northern Edge of Georges Bank. This proposal expands the SMAST video survey to map the cod Habitat Area of Particular Concern, the Essential Fish Habitat area and 1,400 km² of sea floor open to commercial scallop fishing. Data on salinity, temperature, depth, flow velocity and direction would also be collected. These data would be combined with the high resolution SMAST video survey data collected in adjacent areas to create comprehensive maps of the Northeast Edge.

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth - SMAST

06-SCA-009

High-Resolution Video Survey of the Habitat and Sea Scallop Resource in the Elephant Trunk Closed Area

The proposed project would examine sea scallop abundance, spatial distribution, size composition and density as well as habitat characteristics in the Elephant Trunk Closed Area (ETCA) using a high-resolution cooperative industry-based video survey. The sampling procedure for these surveys would be a multistage systematic design with stations separated by approximately 2.2 km. These surveys would provide a highly precise and accurate estimate of size specific sea scallop density and a series of maps of the sea floor detailing the distribution of substrate, depth, live scallops, dead scallops, and macroinvertebrates.

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth - SMAST

06-SCA-010

Adaptive Characterization of Scallop Populations Using High resolution Optical Imaging from Tethered and Untethered Platforms

Project goals: 1) To survey three rotational fishing areas and provide a statistical description of the distribution of biomass, size frequency, and abundance of scallop populations. 2) To undertake biological sampling of scallop populations along the camera towpath for shell height, meat weight and quality, using a single dredge. 3) To conduct surveys in coordination with NOAA, NMFS scallop survey to allow side by side comparison of the effect of sampling protocol on population statistics. 4) To characterize benthic habitat by segmenting targets (e.g. scallops, fish, seaweed, etc.) from background physical characteristics (e.g. sand, cobble, shell, etc.) and make statistical associations between organisms and their environment.

Arnie's Fisheries

06-SCA-011

Testing Bycatch in an Observer-based Experimental Scallop Fishery Outside the GOM Scallop Dredge Exemption Area and within Portions of Statistical Areas 521 and 526

The goal of this project is to determine whether a scallop fishery can be conducted in portions of statistical areas 521 and 526, outside of the Gulf of Maine scallop dredge exemption area from March through December within acceptable groundfish bycatch levels. Data will be collected during four survey trips into the area in March, June, September, and December using vessels, gear, and methods employed by the general category scallop fleet. Each tow will be analyzed and the total weight of scallop catch and scallop and finfish bycatch will be recorded. Standard environmental data will also be collected at each station

Gulf of Maine Research Institute

07-SCA-002

Characterization of Benthic Habitat and Scallop Abundance Using Optical Imaging Technology: Phase 2

This project plans to conduct photographic transects along the tow path of 100 stations sampled by the NOAA R/V Albatross IV during the 2007 annual scallop survey. Biomass calculations will be developed using size frequencies generated from the NMFS dredge survey compared directly with analyses from stereo images produced by the towed benthic habitat Mapping Camera system, HabCam. The projects will also install a stereo camera, hyper-spectrometer, and a high-frequency sidescan sonar to the HabCam to increase the information gained from on-going camera transects.

Arnie's Fisheries

07-SCA-004

Developing an Improved Dredge for Standardized Surveys of the Sea Scallop Resource

This project will design and test an eight -foot scallop survey dredge to be used by NMFS and others for assessing the sea scallop resource and associated species. The first phase would design and fabricate a prototype dredge and bag which would be then tuned on a test trip on a commercial vessel and modified as appropriate. When an acceptable design is achieved, the second phase will consist of a limited set of tows field testing the chosen dredge design.

Coonamessett Farm

07-SCA-005

Field Testing of a New Dredge for the Sea Scallop Fishery

This project is a continuation of the 2006 scallop RSA project 06-SCA-001. The new dredge will incorporate improvements to the design changes currently being tested to reduce sea turtle injury and mortality. Work will also be done to optimize the design for groundfish bycatch reduction using more appropriate materials and cross-sections.

Coonamessett Farm

07-SCA-009

An Assessment of Sea Scallop Abundance and Distribution in Selected Closed Areas: Georges Bank Area I and II, Nantucket Lightship and Elephant Trunk

This project is designed to survey the named areas by simultaneously towing a dredge compliant to NMFS survey gear specifications and a standard commercial dredge. The use of two different configurations of scallop dredges conducting fine scale surveys will provide a more complete view of the size distribution of the resource in the area. The survey data and analyses will be provided to the New England Fishery Management Council, Sea Scallop PDT, and NMFS for inclusion in the TAC setting process for access area management.

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

07-SCA-010

Calibrating Industry Scallop Surveys with NOAA Vessel Platforms

This project will conduct an industry-based survey in the “shadow” of the NMFS scallop survey. A commercial vessel using survey dredges would follow the NMFS survey vessel and conduct same-station surveys with the objective of obtaining comparative information to allow calibration between the two vessels. The project will conduct 100 comparative tows at pre-determined stations during each of the NMFS scallop surveys covering Georges Bank and the Mid-Atlantic.

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

07-SCA-013

High-Resolution Video Survey of the Habitat and Sea Scallop Resource in the Elephant Trunk and Nantucket Lightship Closed Areas

This study will examine the sea scallop abundance and evaluate their spatial distribution, size composition and density as well as habitat characteristics in the ETCA and NLCA using a high-resolution cooperative industry-based video survey. These surveys would provide a highly precise and accurate estimate of size-specific sea scallop density and a series of maps of the sea floor detailing the distribution of substrate, depth, live scallops, dead scallops, and megafauna.

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth - SMAST