Roughhead grenadier (Macrourus berglax) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 5

Habitat

Habitat requirements

The roughhead grenadier is a benthopelagic species that can be found in the deep waters of the subarctic along the continental slope and on deep shelves. Murua et al. (2005) concluded that it is predominant in depths ranging from 400 to 1200 m, although they may inhabit depths between 200-2000 m (Snelgrove and Haedrich, 1985; de Cardenas et al., 1996). It has, however, been found in depths up to 2700 m (Wheeler, 1969). In the trawl surveys off Newfoundland, densities tend to be highest at depths of about 500 – 1500 m (see below). In recent years, Murua (2003) obtained the largest biomass index values between 1000 and 1200 m.

Protection/ownership

In 1977, under the Extension of Jurisdiction, Canada declared its jurisdiction over fishery resources out to 200 nautical miles. However, in the waters off Newfoundland and Labrador (Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization [NAFO] Divisions 2 and 3), the distribution of roughhead grenadier extends beyond the 200-mile limit. Thus, as a straddling stock, it is assessed and managed by NAFO (the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization, the regional fisheries management organisation responsible for managing fisheries in international waters in the Northwest Atlantic).

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