Research Document 2018/054
Basis for A Precautionary Approach and Decision Making Framework for the Newfoundland and Labrador Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) Fishery
By Mullowney, D., Baker, K., Pedersen, E., and Osborne, D.
Abstract
This document was devloped from a peer-review process in June 2018 on the development of a Precautionary Approach (PA) and Decision Making (DM) management framework for the Newfoundland and Labrador Snow Crab resource and fishery. The document highlights some of the history surrounding the establishment of a PA/DM framework for this fishery and presents a suite of models to test the efficacy of key resource status indicators as the basis for stock status reference points and harvest control rules. As per the role of DFO Science Branch in establishing PA/DM frameworks for Canadian fisheries resources, limit reference points (LRPs) and associated removal references for fishery exploitation are provided. A multi-indicator approach is applied in the assessment of the resource and development of a framework. Three resource and fishery metrics (egg clutch fullness, fishery catch per unit effort [CPUE], and fishery discards) are examined, with an underlying focus on two key principles of biological protection and efficient resource extraction guiding the philosophy of the approach.
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