(3.32 MB)
E. Kenchington, L. Beazley, F. J. Murillo, G. Tompkins MacDonald, E. Baker
Fisheries and Oceans, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
Kenchington, E., L. Beazley, F. J. Murillo, G. Tompkins MacDonald, E. Baker. 2015. Coral, Sponge,
and Other Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem Indicator Identification Guide, NAFO Area. NAFO Sci.
Coun. Studies, 47: 1–74. doi:10.2960/S.v47.m1
Abstract
Reporting of encounters with benthic coral, sponges and other taxa indicative of the presence of vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) is a key component of NAFO’s management of fisheries in its regulatory area, in support of its roadmap to an ecosystem approach to fisheries management. Accurate data on the distribution of these species is important for informing decisions on the spatial measures in place to protect these organisms. This identification guide is intended to help those on-board commercial and research fishing vessels to identify the various VME indicator taxa listed in NAFO’s Conservation and Enforcement Measures, at time of publication. The photographs are typically of caught specimens taken on the deck, as this gives the best picture of what is actually seen.