Since 1994, sentinel survey projects have been conducted in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (NAFO division 4T). Selected commercial fishing vessels follow a pre-determined scientific protocol to gather information on the status of Atlantic Cod stocks in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. In 1994 and 1995 the sentinel projects were largely funded by the Department of Human Resource Development, with DFO providing scientific expertise to oversee the projects and the funds for scientific equipment and observer coverage. Since 1996, the sentinel surveys have been funded almost entirely by DFO.
An Atlantic-wide review of the sentinel surveys in 2002 resulted in a decrease in scope of the fixed-gear surveys in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence to only include longline surveys. In late-2020, DFO Science engaged fishing industry partners who had previously participated in the Sentinel Survey program. The aim was to discuss opportunities to realign the program to ensure industry participation and so that it could contribute valuable scientific information. Following those discussions and until a permanent revision of this program is completed, for 2021, a temporary project will be conducted to better understand cod conditions throughout the season. All work will be conducted under contract to fish harvester organizations.
