bedford institute of oceanography 2001 in review - Région des ...

CROSS CUTTING ISSUESCompact Airborne Spectral Imager (CASI) image of a small portion of the Brasd’Or Lakes showing delineation of underwater features in depths of 5-10 m. Thesefeatures will be associated with benthic habitat types through ground truth studiesand comparison with multibeam sonar data.determining the scientific programs required to address the concernsraised at the 1999 workshop.As a result of the workshop, a number of multi-disciplinary programsthat span divisions, branches and government departments areunderway at BIO and several more are in the planning stages. Theseinclude an ecosystem baseline study, benthic habitat mappingemploying multibeam sonar combined with aircraft remote sensing,and the maintenance of an instrumented mooring in the deepest partof the lakes. The ecosystem study will permit a comparison betweenthe Bras d’Or Lakes and nearby continental shelf ecosystems as wellas describing the timing and extent of seasonal production cycles andthe distribution and abundance of major populations within thelakes. The mapping project will delineate sensitive habitats and helpplan future sampling programs. The mooring will provide informationon physical, chemical, and biological processes during the winterand early spring. Another project of interest is the preparation of apublic monograph describing the oceanography of the lakes. Thispublication will include chapters on the ecology of the lakes, theinvertebrates, and the demographics of the surrounding population.In addition, there will be chapters on the general physics, chemistry,geology, and coastal morphology of the lakes.The readily accessible waters of the Bras d’Or Lakes provide an areafor the application of existing tools and methods as well as an excellentnatural laboratory for innovative research and the development of newscientific techniques. The enclosed nature of the lakes provides morecontrol over experimental variables than is possible in other regions. Awide variety of conditions can be found, ranging from high currentswith oceanic temperatures and salinities to quiet brackish backwaters.At each of the Bras d’Or Lakes ecosystem workshops, a commontheme was more community involvement and the prompt public disseminationof research results. Each of the projects presently underwayis attempting to involve the local community as much as possible,particularly through cooperation with the Unama’ki Institute ofNatural Resources and the River Denys Watershed Group.These research initiatives, combined with proper ecosystem-basedmanagement, will help ensure that future generations will be able toenjoy the unique ecosystem of the Bras d’Or Lakes.Impact of Multibeam Surveys on Scallop Fishing Efficiencyand Stock Assessment- Ginette Robert and the Canadian Offshore Scallop Industry Mapping Group 1There have been progressive changes for the offshore scallop industrylately. Multibeam technologies combined with satellite tracking andbetter monitoring tools on scallop stocks have changed the way thisindustry operates and how the resource is managed. Fishing efficiencyhas improved. Resource management has been refined with greaterinsight provided on the distribution of scallop beds and habitat.The offshore scallop license holders have formed the CanadianOffshore Scallop Industry Mapping Group (COSIMG), which includesfive of the seven offshore companies. COSIMG partnered with theCanadian Hydrographic Service and the Geological Survey of Canadato map areas of commercial interest with multibeam technology. Withthese data, three-dimensional bathymetric charts, geological charts,and sediment maps of commercial scallop fishing areas were created.A traditional hydrographic chart provides little information otherthan depth to a captain; personal knowledge of the area may be amore reliable guide. However, a three-dimensional bathymetric chartin the captain’s toolbox allows him to avoid seabed hazards, reducethe area of sea bottom fished, and consequently, reduce by-catch ofFigure 1. Using a three-dimensional bathymetric chart of Browns Bank, a captainis able to alter course during tows to avoid rough bottom and obstacles that coulddamage the gear.non-target species (Figure 1).Because of this initiative, industry-driven changes have resulted inimportant benefits. Attitudes have shifted among participants andrelationships have improved as a result of closer working arrange-1 The Canadian Offshore Scallop Industry Mapping Group (COSIMG) consists of the following companies: Adams & Knickle Limited, Clearwater Fine Foods Incorporated, Comeau’s SeaFoods Limited, LaHave Seafoods Limited, and Scotia Trawler Equipment Limited.40 / BIO-2001 IN REVIEW