SavingSeaFood - NOAA Science Center: No Overfishing Occurring in any of Seven Skate Species

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NOAA Science Center: No Overfishing Occurring in any of Seven Skate Species

In a letter dated January 13, 2011, Science and Research Director Nancy B. Thompson, Ph.D. advised NOAA Fisheries Regional Director Pat Kurkul that "[b]ased on new survey data collected through 2010 ... overfishing was not occurring in any of the seven skate species." Dr. Thompson noted that only "one skate species remains overfished (thorny)."

A partial copy of the letter follows:

January 31, 2011

MEMORANDUM FOR: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator

FROM: Nancy B. Thompson, Ph.D., Science and Research Director

SUBJECT: Update of Skate Stock Status Based on NEFSC Bottom Trawl Survey Data through Autumn 2010

The purpose of this memo is to update the status of seven species of skates based on NEFSC bottom trawl survey data through autumn 2010. The previous update was done April 13, 2009 based on NEFSC bottom trawl survey data through autumn 2008.

The 2009 report stated that two skate species were overfished (smooth, thorny) and overfishing was not occurring in any of the seven skate species.

Based on new survey data collected through 2010, one skate species remains overfished (thorny) and overfishing was not occurring in any of the seven skate species.

For smooth skate, which is no longer overfished, the 3-year average (2008-2010) survey catch per tow (0.16kg/tow) was slightly greater that the B-threshold (0.145kg/tow). For thorny skate, the 3-year average (2008-2010) survey catch per tow (0.248 kg/tow) was less than the B-threshold (2.06 kg/tow).

With exception of smooth skate, none of the other skates has had a change in stock status from that described in the 2009 memo. A few other results are noteworthy. Survey indices of winter and little skate have increased since 2006. Three-year average rosette skate indices had been above the B-target, but the latest index in between B-target and B-threshold.

Details about the survey indices, vessel calibration coefficients, and Biological Reference Points for each skate species are provided on the following pages.

Read the entire letter by Dr. Thompson.

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