Georges Bank Yellowtail Flounder Estimates from VIMS Industry Based Scallop Dredge from Closed Area 2 and surrounds

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) conducted fine scale spatial dredge surveys of Closed Area II (CAII) in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 for the purposes of examining scallop abundance and distribution. The spatial extent of surveys varied between years. From 2005–2011, the traditional CAII scallop access area was surveyed. In 2012, a portion of the CAII groundfish closure and surrounds on the northern edge of Georges Bank (GB) were surveyed. In 2013, area in the Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) and surrounds on the northern edge of GB were surveyed again. For 2016–2019, the traditional CAII scallop access area and surrounds along the southern flank of GB were surveyed. In 2018 and 2019, the survey domain was expanded to cover additional area along the southern flank of GB. Scallop and finfish catch were enumerated, and length measurements were taken. Survey catches were examined to determine whether there were trends in Yellowtail Flounder abundance in the surveyed area. Results indicated a decline in Yellowtail Flounder abundance over the time period, as well as a truncation of the size distribution observed. 2019 NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) NEFSC (Northeast Fisheries Science Center) Submitted Public Domain 1930