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www.seadiscovery.com Marine Technology Reporter 7 Cod Fishery Declines 96% on Scotian Shelf Once a dominant species, the volume of cod on the Scotian Shelf plunged 96% since the 1850s, according to landmark research published recently by the Census of Marine Life (part of the Consortium for Oceanographic Research & Education). Writing in Frontier's in Ecology, researchers announced the first-ever esti- mate of cod levels in the 1850s, created using old schooner catch records and observations, coupled with modern mod- eling tools. Researchers said their findings have pro- found implications for contemporary poli- cy makers trying to rebuild fishery "rem- nants" and restore the marine ecosystem. In recent debates in New England over management of George's Bank and Gulf of Maine cod stocks, for example, many argued that 1980s stock levels should be considered fully rebuilt. However, "this contradicted the evidence of basic cod biology, which suggested that cod stocks would only be rebuilt at higher levels," the researchers said. Using a mathematical formula, the researchers estimate cod biomass on the Scotian Shelf was 1.26 million metric tons in 1852, compared with less than 50,000 metric tons today. The adults within represent 3,000 metric tons or 6%. The study also noted the estimate of 1850 cod biomass is "quite conservative" as the old fishing logs only record adult cod. Learn more at www.coml.org/medres/medres77.htm. news The MAR-VEL International Catalog offers the most complete source of Diving, Marine Lifesaving & Personal Protection Equipment plus Tactical Gear & Apparel. . Order Line: 1-800-325-5711 (856) 488-4499 FAX: (856) 488-4343 www.mar-vel.com International catalog requests outside the U.S.A. and Canada require $15.00 postage and handling. E-mail us at sales-mt@mar-vel.com Name__________________________ Position________________________ Company_________________________ Telephone____________________ Street ________________________________________________________ City_______________________________State______ Zip______________ Country____________________ E-mail_____________________________ MAR-VEL International • 7100 Airport Highway, Pennsauken, NJ 08109 • USA Prime Vendor Contractor for the U.S. Government Proud to be serving our U.S. military as a Our pledge is to provide our customers with the finest equipment, value and customer service available. Visit www.maritimeequipment.com/mt & Click No. 208 Visit www.maritimeequipment.com/mt & Click No. 206 MTR#1 (1-16).qxd 7/19/2005 10:54 AM Page 9
