The Habitats of 0-group Juvenile Atlantic Cod in Bonne Bay, a Fjord within Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

Bruce, Jeanette E.B. and Schneider, David C. and Wroblewski, Joseph S. (2010) The Habitats of 0-group Juvenile Atlantic Cod in Bonne Bay, a Fjord within Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland. Research Report. Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Abstract

A standardized survey of Bonne Bay, a fjord located within Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland, was conducted in the month of June during the years 2002 W 2009 and in October 2009 to determine the fish species found in the nearshore waters of the bay. The survey was conducted using a 10 m beach seine, a 25m beach seine, gillnets, and a bottom trawl to sample a variety of depths. The data for young-of-the-year (0-group) juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) were analyzed using the general linear model approach to determine the effect of study site and year on the number of 0-group cod collected per tow of the 25 m beach seine. This study found that there was no trend in juvenile cod abundance over time. Although the statistical relationship between site and abundance was close to significant, there was no overall trend in the number of juvenile cod collected at each site. This implies that all of the sampling sites are suitable habitat for juvenile cod. The sites differ in macrophyte vegetation (seaweed) coverage, bottom substrate type, water depth, seawater temperature, and salinity. It can be concluded that the nearshore waters of Bonne Bay serve as a nursery ground for juvenile cod. Given the economic and cultural importance of Atlantic cod, Bonne Bay is a focus of local fisheries stewardship and habitat conservation efforts.

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