Cusk: Recovery

Impact of Incidental Fishing on Cusk (Brosme brosme) and Potential for Mitigation

In order to develop a recovery plan for cusk, we must identify the main threats to the species and also determine which actions can be taken to mitigate these threats. Cusk are caught in many fishing gears in the Maritimes from lobster pot to bottom trawl to longline. The impact of each fishery has not been explicitly quantified, although we do know that some fisheries catch large numbers while others catch only small amounts. This work will provide a basis for the prioritisation of recommended research in cusk's recovery strategy by evaluating the mortality on a per fishery basis and also by examining some possible mitigation measures. It will also provide the framework for evaluating mitigation measures when additional bycatch fish species are listed.

• Estimate Total Cusk Mortality in the Maritimes Region.
• Identify Fisheries with Highest Impact on Cusk.
• Identify and Evaluate Possible Mitigation Measures

Life History and Ecology of Cusk (Brosme brosme): Implications for Recovery

Although cusk are commonly caught in many fisheries and can even be found on occasion in a fish market, little is known of their life history in the Northwest Atlantic. A single study of cusk biology and life history in the Northwest Atlantic was done in the 1960s. Since then, any new information has been gleaned through broader studies such as groundfish surveys and ichthyoplankton surveys targeting other species. Through this study we plan to increase our knowledge of cusk biology and ecology by undertaking a focussed sampling program. We have initiated a 2-year study to identify cusk maturity, spawning cycle, age structure, diet, and condition factor. The ageing study will include validation using bomb radiocarbon. Cusk are caught in sufficient numbers in commercial fisheries and in industry surveys to supply a large number of samples. We are collecting data though a combination of at-sea sampling, port/plant sampling, and industry survey sampling.

This work will allow us to provide better advice to managers by improving our understanding of the causes of the decline in cusk abundance and potential threats to their recovery. It will also enable us to prioritise the recommended research in the recovery strategy.