Sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) and Iceland scallop (Chlamys islandica) concentration areas of this layer are described as being known and commercially exploited historically and/or currently. The mapping of these areas is based on several sources of information: research surveys (since 1977, annually but alternating sectors since 2009), exploratory fisheries (2000, 2001, 2003) and commercial fisheries (annually). These concentration areas are considered among the most abundant beds and are used for commercial fishing.

This layer does not represent the general distribution of the species nor the extent to which fishing is allowed and does not take into account the large unexploited beds. The extent of shellfish beds can change over time in response to, among others, harvesting and recruitment rates. The polygons might underestimate the concentration areas because fishing and scientific surveys occurred where the target resource was known to be more abundant. However, the precision is good enough for resource protection and management needs in case of an environmental incident. This information is valid until data from a more recent research survey is published.

Data sources and references:

Bourdages, H. et Goudreau, P. 2010. Évaluation des stocks de pétoncles des eaux côtières du Québec en 2009 : données de la pêche commerciale. Secr. can. de consult. sci. du MPO. Doc. de rech. 2010/068. viii + 69 p.

Giguère, M., Brulotte, S. et Goudreau, P. 2000. État des stocks de pétoncles des eaux côtières du Québec. Secr. can. de consult. sci. du MPO. Doc. de rech. 2000/086. xi + 46 p.

Trottier, S., Bourdages, H., Goudreau, P et Brulotte, S. 2017. Évaluation des stocks de pétoncle des eaux côtières du Québec en 2015: données de la pêche commerciale, des relevés de recherche et des pêches exploratoires. Secr. can. de consult. sci. du MPO. Doc. de rech. 2017/037: xvi + 176 p.