Research Document - 2009/057
An Assessment of Newfoundland and Labrador Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) in 2007
By E. Dawe, D. Mullowney, D. Stansbury, D. Taylor, E. Hynick, P. Veitch, J. Drew, G. Evans, E. Colbourne, P. O’Keefe, K. Skanes, D. Fiander, R. Stead, D. Maddock Parsons, P. Higdon, T. Paddle, B. Noseworthy, and S. Kelland
Abstract
Resource status was evaluated throughout Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Div. 2J3KLNOP4R based on trends in biomass, recruitment and mortality. Multiple indices of these metrics were derived from a suite of data sources that include dockside-monitored landings, fisher logbooks, observer monitoring, pre-and post-season trawl surveys, broad-scale post-season trap surveys, localized inshore trap surveys, a vessel monitoring system (VMS) and biological sampling data from multiple sources. The resource was assessed separately for offshore and inshore areas of each NAFO division, where appropriate (Div. 3KLPs4R3Pn). Data availability varied among divisions and between inshore and offshore areas within divisions. Data were insufficient to evaluate resource status in Div. 3NO and in offshore Div. 4R3Pn. The exploitable biomass has recently increased in the north (Div. 2J3K) due to increased recruitment. The exploitable biomass has declined and remains low in the south (offshore Div. 3L and Subdiv. 3Ps), but recruitment is expected to increase in the near future. The exploitable biomass has recently increased in inshore Div. 3L whereas it has declined in inshore Div. 4R3Pn and recruitment prospects are uncertain or unknown. Trends in indices are described in detail for each division and conclusions are presented with respect to the anticipated effects of short term changes in removal levels on fishery induced mortality.
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