Research Document 2017/081

An Assessment of Newfoundland and Labrador Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) in 2016

By Mullowney, D., Coffey, W., Baker, K., Evans, G., Fiander, D., Colbourne, E., Maddock Parsons, D., Koen-Alonso, M., and Wells, N.

Abstract

The status of the Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) resource surrounding Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Divisions (Divs.) 2HJ3KLNOP4R is assessed using a variety of metrics. Data from multi-species bottom trawl surveys conducted during fall in Divs. 2HJ3KLNO and spring in Divs. 3LNO and Subdivision (Subdiv.) 3Ps are examined to provide information on trends in biomass, recruitment, production, and mortality over the time series. Multi-species trawl survey indices are compared with other relevant indices toward inferring changes in resource status for 2017 and beyond. These other indices are derived utilizing data from harvester logbooks, at-sea observers, the dockside monitoring program (DMP), and inshore and offshore trap surveys, as well as oceanographic surveys. Snow Crab landings peaked at 53,500 t in 2009 and have since gradually declined to 42,000 t in 2016. Divs. 3LNO accounted for approximately 80% of the landings in recent years. Fishery catch per unit effort (CPUE) was at or near historical lows in most divisions in 2016 and the overall exploitable biomass index has declined by 80% since 2013. All divisions were at or near their lowest observed levels of biomass, with an overall decline of 40% in 2016. Overall recruitment into the exploitable biomass was at its lowest observed level in 2016. Thermal habitat, pre-recruit biomass, and predation indices collectively suggest poor broad-scale recruitment prospects; therefore, recruitment is expected to either remain at its current low level or continue declining in the next 3-4 years. Total mortality in exploitable crabs increased to be at or near time series’ highs and pre-recruit fishing mortality rates have been at decadal highs in all divisions in recent years. Status quo removals would maintain exploitation rate indices above long-term average levels in most divisions. Divs. 3LNO, where the majority of remaining biomass occurs, would elevate to an exceptionally high level of exploitation with status quo removals.

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