Examination into a Vessel Effect for a Multi-Vessel Industry-Based Sea Scallop Dredge Survey

Generalized linear models (GLM) and generalized additive mixed (GAMM) were developed to examine for differences in fishing power, also referred as a vessel effect, three commercial vessels chartered by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). The conducted fishery-independent sea scallop dredge survey MidAtlantic resource 2015. Surveys have continued since 2015 using multivessel approach, understanding implications potential effect on catch is important management assessment resource. are yearly support annual fishery specifications contribute biological data stock assessments. tested an total number scallops captured indicated strata rotational area significant predictors. catch-at-length with length, vessel, strata, area, interaction length fixed effects station random effect. Two preferred GAMM identified analysis. One model that had catch-at-length, whereas term was not significant. second did include or predictor. Results presented here consistent previous calibration studies surveys suggesting robust use suite industry VIMS surveys.