POTYEAR: Determining the Seasonality of Cod Pots: fish catch,size from fishing vessels NEC-MP2007-2 in Massachusetts Bay from 2008-2009 (NEC-CoopRes project)

<p>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.</p>

<p>Objectives for continued development of cod pots:</p>

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