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Immediately following the well-publicized
collapses of many northwestern Atlantic cod stocks (from Labrador to the
Gulf of Maine), the 1990’s was marked by an increase in the number of
studies designed to improve our understanding of cod biology so that we
could gain a better understanding of the mechanisms for collapse (e.g.,
hyperaggregation) and subsequent rebuilding (or lack thereof; e.g., “Allee”
effects) of this vital species. Fifteen years later, it has become apparent
that more studies, that consider cod as part of a larger, dynamic, and often
compartmentalized ecosystem (e.g., inshore vs. offshore; pelagic vs.
benthic) are needed. In an ongoing effort to address this research priority,
we presented results from past and current studies undertaken by researchers
at Gulf of Maine Research Institute that examined movement behavior,
feeding, growth/reproduction and habitat preferences of Atlantic cod in a
changing and heterogeneous ecosystem. In this three-part presentation, we
will drew on: 1) data from the Northeast Regional Cod Tagging Program to
provide an up-to-date view of cod movement in the Gulf of Maine and how this
may vary as a function of release location, fish size and feeding (Tallack);
2) Findings from past studies in Newfoundland that define a strong link
between cod feeding and growth/reproduction, as well as hypotheses from a
recently funded study to examine feeding “morphotypes” of cod (i.e., “rock
cod” vs. “white-bellies”) in the Gulf of Maine (Sherwood); and 3) data from
over a decade of DMR inshore groundfish surveys and ongoing groundfish video
surveys that provide insights regarding juvenile cod habitat utilization in
coastal Maine (Grabowski). Collectively these studies will assist managers
charged with the difficult task of rebuilding cod populations by identifying
potential bottlenecks (i.e., cod movement patterns, feeding behavior, and
habitat usage during critical life-history stages) to recovery.
Host:
Mary Beth Tooley, O’Hara Corp & Small Pelagics Group |
Welcome
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