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The North Atlantic Fisheries Organization response to a precipitous decline of the Flemish Cap cod ( Gadus morhua) stock during the 1990s was the imposition of an 11 year moratorium on directed fishing for cod; recovery followed. Over the three decades that encompassed the precollapse, collapse, and recovery stages, we found that the cod stock status was characterized by four traits: spawning stock biomass, maturity-at-age, weight-at-age, and recruitment. The temporal evolution of these traits was consistent with a density-dependent conceptual model suggesting that phenotypic plasticity was at play during the rebuilding of the stock. The temporal progression of the broader fish community paralleled that of cod, underlying its key ecosystem position. The same demographic variables defined the state of the adjacent Northern Cod stock that underwent a similar pattern of decline, an intermittent moratorium but only partial recovery. This partial recovery is possibly related, in part, to declines of prey species brought about by excessive harvesting after the cod collapse and an apparent collapse of capelin, a major dietary component.

A stratified random bottom trawl survey on Flemish Cap was carried out from 12 July to 9 August 2021. Following the same procedures as in previous years, the area surveyed extends up to depths of 800 fathoms (1460 meters) and 181 fishing stations were planned. The survey was carried out by the R/V Vizconde de Eza with the usual survey gear (Lofoten). A total of 181 valid hauls were made, 120 up to 730 meters depth and 61 up to 1460 meters. Survey results are presented, including abundance indices of the main commercial species and age distributions for cod, redfish, American plaice, Greenland halibut, roughhead grenadier, squid and shrimp. The general indexes for this year are estimated taken into account the traditional swept area (strata 1-19, up to depths of 730 m.) and the total area surveyed (strata 1-34, up to depths of 1460 m.)., SI

Analisis de contenidos estomacales de 5830 bacalaos (Gadus morhua) del perıodo 1993-2018 en el Banco de Flemish Cap (Atlantico noroeste) con el fin de estudiar la pauta alimenticia basada en el canibalismo que esta especie desarrolla. Esta predacion varıa anualmente porque es tamaño-dependiente; depende de la distribucion de tallas de la poblacion, debiendo estar presente la fraccion de la poblacion que puede ser presa y tambien la fraccion que desarrolla esta practica alimenticia (m´as habitual solo durante una parte de cicle vital de los individuos). La abundancia de las diferentes clases anuales determina la intensidad de esta predacion, y el consumo ocasionado puede ser una de las principales causas de motalidad natural, lo cual debe ser considerado en los modelos de evaluacion pesquera.

Este artículo contiene 13 páginas, 3 figuras, 4 tablas., Deep-sea sponge grounds are vulnerable marine ecosystems, which through their benthic-pelagic coupling of nutrients, are of functional relevance to the deep-sea realm. The impact of fishing bycatch is here evaluated for the first time at a bathyal, sponge-dominated ecosystem in the high seas managed by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization. Sponge biomass surfaces created from research survey data using both random forest modeling and a gridded surface revealed 231,140 t of sponges in the area. About 65% of that biomass was protected by current fisheries closures. However, projections of trawling tracks estimated that the sponge biomass within them would be wiped out in just 1 year by the current level of fishing activity if directed on the sponges. Because these sponges filter 56,143 ± 15,047 million litres of seawater daily, consume 63.11 ± 11.83 t of organic carbon through respiration, and affect the turnover of several nitrogen nutrients, their removal would likely affect the delicate ecological equilibrium of the deep-sea benthic ecosystem. We estimated that, on Flemish Cap, the economic value associated with seawater filtration by the sponges is nearly double the market value of the fish catch. Hence, fishery closures are essential to reach sponge conservation goals as economic drivers cannot be relied upon., This research has been performed within the scope of the SponGES project, which received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 679849. This document reflects only the authors’ views and the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME) is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. The EU groundfish surveys in the NAFO area were co-funded by the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO), the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), the Spanish Institute for Marine Research Superior Council of Scientific Investigations (IIM-CSIC) and the European Union through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) within the National Program of collection, management and use of data in the fisheries sector and support for scientific advice regarding the Common Fisheries Policy. AC is supported by Program Investigador (IF/00029/2014/CP1230/CT0002) from FCT. This study had also the support of Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), through the strategic projects UID/MAR/04292/2013 granted to MARE. Fisheries and Oceans, Canada provided support through their International Governance Strategy project funds (Science Advice in Support of the 2020 NAFO Review of Closed Areas to Protect Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems in the NRA) to EK.

The pandemic caused by COVID19 led to the meeting being held by videoconference. Due to the practical constraints of conducting this meeting by videoconference, some items of the usual agenda were simplified, focusing mainly on the most urgent aspects related to the preparation of the Flemish Cap survey in 2021 and the NAFO Scientific Council meeting in June and September., FONDO EUROPEO MARITIMO Y DE PESCA, FEMP

Continental microplates are enigmatic plate boundary features, which can occur in extensional and compressional regimes. Here we focus on microplate formation and their temporal evolution in continental rift settings. To this aim, we employ the geodynamic finite element software ASPECT to conduct 3D lithospheric‐scale numerical models from rift inception to continental breakup. We find that depending on the strike‐perpendicular offset and crustal strength, rift segments connect or interact through one of four regimes: (1) an oblique rift, (2) a transform fault, (3) a rotating continental microplate or (4) a rift jump. We highlight that rotating microplates form at offsets >200 km in weak to moderately strong crustal setups. We describe the dynamics of microplate evolution from initial rift propagation, to segment overlap, vertical‐axis rotation, and eventually continental breakup. These models may explain microplate size and kinematics of the Flemish Cap, the Sao Paulo Plateau, and other continental microplates that formed during continental rifting worldwide., Plain Language Summary: Microplates are enigmatic features that form in the boundaries between tectonic plates. In continental rifts, plates are successively broken to eventually form new oceans. As the continental crust is very heterogeneous, rifts rarely form in straight lines. In some cases, individual rift segments initiate hundreds of kilometers apart both along and perpendicular to strike and as these segments grow, they interact and link. Here we use 3D computer simulations to investigate the linkage of offset rifts. We find that rift linkage is primarily controlled by the strike‐perpendicular offset and crustal strength. At low offset they link through an oblique rift segment, at medium offset a transform fault is formed, and at large offsets in weak crust they overlap and rotate a central block known as a microplate. We suggest that the latter processes have shaped the Flemish Cap, the Sao Paulo Plateau, and many other continental promontories at rifted margins worldwide., Key Points: Strike‐perpendicular offset and crustal strength control the mode of rift segment linkage (microplate, oblique, or transform) Rotating continental microplates form at offsets of >200 km for weak and moderately strong crust Modeled microplate evolution may explain the formation of the Flemish Cap, the Sao Paulo Plateau, and other continental promontories, Helmholtz Young Investigator Group CRYSTALS

El libro narra en primera persona la experiencia vivida por la periodista Laura Juárez a bordo del buque oceanográfico Vizconde de Eza, perteneciente a la Secretaría General de Pesca, durante el verano de 2020 en la 33 edición de la campaña internacional Flemish Cap. El objetivo es acercar al público general una realidad tan familiar para los investigadores como son las campañas de investigación, visibilizando la tarea de asesoramiento pesquero que realiza el Instituto Español de Oceanografía. Versión del editor

Correction to:Scientific Reportshttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-52250-1, published online 01 Novenber 2019 The original version of this Article contained errors in the Abstract. “Sponge biomass surfaces created from research survey data using both random forest modeling and a gridded surface revealed 231,140 t of sponges in the area. About 65% of that biomass was protected by current fisheries closures.” now reads: “Sponge biomass surface created from research survey data using random forest modeling revealed 231,136 t of sponges in the area. About 42% of that biomass was protected by current fisheries closures.” This error has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.

An assessment of the cod stock in NAFO Division 3M was conducted using a Bayesian SCAA (statistical catch-at-age) model. The STACFIS catch estimates and the Flemish Cap survey indices were used to fit the model. Blim, defined as the SSB of 2007, was estimated at 15 037 t (median). Results indicate a general increase in SSB since 2005 to the highest value in 2017, decreasing since then. SSB has been above Blim since 2008. Between 2013 and 2018 recruitment was at very low levels; the 2016 and 2018 values were among the lowest of the series; as a consequence, 3-year projections indicate that total biomass will decrease during the projected years, while the SSB could increase under some scenarios in the final projected year. The probability of SSB being below Blim is low high (, SI

Lagrangian particle tracking models are considered an important tool for assessing connectivity in the deep sea. A number of user interfaces are available to assess oceanic structural connectivity. These use currents produced by state-of-the-art ocean models, and can be used to run forward/hindcast simulations, habitat connectivity calculations, comparison of physical circulation models, etc. We compared simulation outputs from two particle tracking packages, WebDrogue v.0.7 and the Parcels framework version 2.1, the former having been previously published in a study investigating connectivity patterns among closed areas in the NAFO Regulatory Area. We further tested a combination of parameters used by Parcels (number of particles, particle spacing, time step, random walk) to determine optimal values for future applications. Parcels identified more connectivity than WebDrogue with differences attributed to higher current velocities in the underlying ocean model, although drift pathways were generally similar in both. RÉSUMÉ On considère que les modèles Lagrangien de suivi de particules sont un outil important pour évaluer la connectivité en haute mer. Il existe un certain nombre d’interfaces utilisateur permettant d’évaluer la connectivité structurelle des océans. Ces interfaces, qui utilisent les courants issus de modèles océaniques de pointe, peuvent entre autres servir à effectuer des simulations prospectives ou rétrospectives, à faire des calculs liés à la connectivité de l’habitat ainsi qu’à comparer des modèles de circulation physique. Dans le cadre de la présente étude, nous avons comparé les résultats de simulation issus de deux interfaces de suivi de particules, soit la version 0.7 de WebDrogue et la version 2.1 de Parcels. Les résultats de simulation issus de WebDrogue ont déjà été publiés dans le cadre d’une étude sur les tendances de connectivité au sein de zones fermées situées au sein de la zone réglementée par l’OPANO. Nous avons donc testé une combinaison de paramètres utilisés par Parcels (nombre de particules, espace entre les particules, intervalle de temps, marche aléatoire) afin de déterminer les valeurs optimales pour des applications futures. Les résultats montrent que la connectivité calculée par Parcels est plus élevée que celle calculée par WebDrogue; les différences sont attribuables à des vitesses de courants plus élevées dans le modèle océanique sous-jacent, même si les trajectoires de dérive sont généralement similaires pour les deux interfaces. &nbsp

A stratified random bottom trawl survey on Flemish Cap was carried out from June 22th to July 23th 2016. The area surveyed was extended up to depths of 800 fathoms (1460 meters) following the same procedures as in previous years and 181 fishing stations planned. The survey was carried out by the R/V Vizconde de Eza with the usual survey gear (Lofoten). A total of 181 valid hauls were made by the vessel R/V Vizconde de Eza, 120 up to 730 meters depth and 61 up to 1460 meters. Survey results including abundance indices of the main commercial species and age distributions for cod, redfish, American plaice, Greenland halibut, roughhead grenadier and shrimp are presented. The general indexes for this year are estimated taken into account the traditional swept area (strata 1- 19, up to depths of 730 m.) and the total area surveyed (strata 1-34, up to depths of 1460 m.). Postprint

98 pages, [EN] Fecundity of Sebastes fasciatus was analyzed in relation to several maternal features during 2000, 2007, 2015 and 2016. The mean potential fecundity was estimated to be 36000 oocytes and relative fecundity average 73 oocytes. Fecundity varied significantly with female length and gutted weight, while condition had little influence on fecundity variation. The model complete showed that a higher female condition index the potential fertility increased, so the condition factor significantly affected fertility. Mean oocyte diameter was estimated to be 0.56 mm. Oocyte diameter varied significantly with female length and gutted weight, while condition had little influence on fecundity variation, although with an interpretable value. Population dynamics were analyzed through treatment of reproductive potential indexes (TEP) and other abundance or biomass indexes were compared with recruitment to see stock – recruitment relationship (Ricker model). The reproductive potential indexes that improved the relationship stock – recruitment (SSB beaked redfish – recruitment) were mature females biomass (FSSB), abundance of mature females, abundance of mature females greater than 25 cm and the abundance mature females greater than 30 cm., [ES] Flemish Cap es un caladero que se encuentra en el Noreste de Norte America, a 300 millas de la Isla de Terranova. La fecundidad de Sebastes fasciatus en Flemish Cap se analizó en relación con diferentes características maternales durante los años 2000, 2007, 2015 y 2016. La fecundidad potencial promedio se estimó en 36000 ovocitos con una fecundidad relativa de 73 ovocitos g-1 . La fecundidad varió significativamente con la talla y con el peso eviscerado de la hembra, mientras que con el factor de condición tuvo poca influencia. El modelo completo reflejó que a mayor índice de condición de la hembra la fecundidad potencial se incrementó, por lo que el factor de condición afectó significativamente a la fecundidad. El diámetro del ovocito promedio se estimó en 0.56 mm. El diámetro del ovocito varió significativamente con la talla y con el peso eviscerado de la hembra, mientras que con el factor de condición tuvo poca influencia, aunque con un valor interpretable. Se analizó la dinámica de la población mediante el tratamiento de índices de potencial reproductivo (TEP) y se compararon otros índices de biomasas y abundancias con el reclutamiento para ver la relación stock – reclutamiento (Modelos de Ricker). Los índices de potencial reproductivo que mejoraron la relación stock –reclutamiento (SSB beaked redfish – reclutamiento) fueron la biomasa de hembras maduras (FSSB), abundancia de hembras maduras, abundancia de hembras maduras mayores de 25 cm y la abundancia de hembras maduras mayores de 30 cm.

The overarching aim of this year’s meeting was to know the general results of the last research survey carried out in summer 2016 and to agree on the objectives and logistical issues (scientific equipment, staff etc.) for the next research survey carried out in summer 2017. Also in this meeting were tackled other matters related to the project: to improve the coordination, identify problems and look for solutions to get better the contribution in the NAFO Scientific Council meetings carried out each year in June and September.

The overarching aim of this year’s meeting was to know the general results of the last research survey carried out in summer 2015 and to agree on the objectives and logistical issues (scientific equipment, staff etc.) for the next research survey carried out in summer 2016. Also in this meeting were tackled other matters related to the project: to improve the coordination, identify problems and look for solutions to get better the contribution in the NAFO Scientific Council meetings carried out each year in June and September.

A stratified random bottom trawl survey on Flemish Cap was carried out from June 25th to July 23th 2014. The area surveyed was extended up to depths of 800 fathoms (1460 meters) following the same procedures as in previous years and 181 fishing stations planned. The survey was carried out by the R/V Vizconde de Eza with the usual survey gear (Lofoten). A total of 181 valid hauls were made by the vessel R/V Vizconde de Eza, 118 up to 730 meters depth and 56 up to 1460 meters. Survey results including abundance indices of the main commercial species and age distributions for cod, redfish, American plaice, Greenland halibut, roughhead grenadier and shrimp are presented. The general indexes for this year are estimated taken into account the traditional swept area (strata 1-19, up to depths of 730 m.) and the total area surveyed (strata 1-34, up to depths of 1460 m.).

The overarching aim of this year’s meeting was to know the general results of the last research survey carried out in summer 2014 and to agree on the objectives and logistical issues (scientific equipment, staff etc.) for the next research survey carried out in summer 2015. Also in this meeting were tackled other matters related to the project: to improve the coordination, identify problems and look for solutions to get better the contribution in the NAFO Scientific Council meetings carried out each year in June and September.

A stratified random bottom trawl survey on Flemish Cap was carried out from June 21th to July 26th 2015. The area surveyed was extended up to depths of 800 fathoms (1450 meters) following the same procedures as in previous years. This year a total of 181 valid hauls were made by the vessel R/V Vizconde de Eza with the usual survey gear (Lofoten), 120 up to 730 meters depth. The surveyed area has properly prospected the 32 strata planned. The general indexes for shrimp were estimated taken into account the traditional swept area (strata 1-19, up to depths of 730 m.) and the total area surveyed (strata 1-34, up to depths of 1450 m.). As the last years the strata 26 and 27sited in the southeast of the bank with depths from 600 to 800 fathoms (1100-1400 m.) will not be surveyed due to the presence in the bottoms of great quantities of mud and sponges. The results concerning shrimp are presented and compared to those from previous years of the same series. The biomass and abundance in 2015 increased significantly since 2014 (70 % and 117% respectively), but remain between the lowest values recorded in the EU survey series. The youngest specimens (age 1) were present in the catch but at very low level, and they were weakly presents in the small mesh size bag attached to the cod-end of the main gear. Although the abundance at age 2 was bigger than previous years and stay now at 2010 level, it does not suggest a change in the absence of any strong year classes since 2003. This poor situation of the shrimp stock is associated, as in previous years with the good condition of the cod stock, which in 2015 recorded biomass value between the biggest in the time series. Versión del editor

The seasonal, annual and geographical changes in the Relative Condition Factor (Kr) of a total of 24 410 individual American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides Fabricius) were analysed. These samples were collected in three areas of the North Atlantic (NAFO Division 3M and Div. 3LNO, and ICES Div. IIb) in commercial fishing and scientific surveys from 1992 to 2003. Condition presented significant variation in both sexes as far as area, season and year effects were concerned. Condition decreased greatly in Div. 3M, slightly increased in Div. IIb and it was quite constant in Div. 3LNO in the considered period for each area. Relative Condition Factor value showed a remarkable relation with the estimated biomass in Div. 3M. Females showed a better condition than males, and condition in the periods of spring and summer was lower than in the periods of autumn and winter for both sexes. Interannual variation in condition was more evident in small sized (immature) individuals. The spawning period corresponded with the peak of condition in females and with a decrease in males. Feeding intensity and condition were inversely related across season, however when the same period was studied across years they showed a similar pattern. Food and feeding of 8 543 individual American plaice from these three areas were examined. Feeding intensity was higher on the Flemish Cap (78%). The main prey in the composition of stomach contents for this area, were Ophiuroidea (56%), Hyperiidea (13%) and Pandalus borealis (8%). Changes in the main components of the diet were found in the last years. Feeding habits by size range and comparison with the other areas were also analysed.

The overarching aim of this year’s meeting was to know the general results of the last research survey carried out in summer 2013 and to agree on the objectives and logistical issues (scientific equipment, staff etc.) for the next research survey carried out in summer 2014.

A stratified random bottom trawl survey on Flemish Cap was carried out from June 25th to July 23th 2014. The area surveyed was extended up to depths of 800 fathoms (1450 meters) following the same procedures as in previous years. This year a total of 181 valid hauls were made by the vessel R/V Vizconde de Eza with the usual survey gear (Lofoten), 120 up to 730 meters depth. The surveyed area has properly prospected the 32 strata planned. The general indexes for shrimp were estimated taken into account the traditional swept area (strata 1-19, up to depths of 730 m.) and the total area surveyed (strata 1-34, up to depths of 1450 m.). As the last years the strata 26 and 27sited in the southeast of the bank with depths from 600 to 800 fathoms (1100-1400 m.) will not be surveyed due to the presence in the bottoms of great quantities of mud and sponges. The results concerning shrimp are presented and compared to those from previous years of the same series. The biomass and abundance in 2014 increased slightly since 2013 (7 % and 9% respectively), but remain between the lowest values recorded in the EU survey series. The youngest specimens (age 1 and age 2) were present in the catch but at very low level, and they were weakly presents in the small mesh size bag attached to the cod-end of the main gear, suggesting the absence of any strong year classes since 2003. This poor situation of the shrimp stock is associated, as in previous years with the good condition of the cod stock, which in 2014 recorded the maximum biomass value in the time series. Versión del editor