Science Advisory Report  2012/012

Assessment of Lobster Stocks of the Magdalen Islands (LFA 22), Quebec in 2011

Summary

• The abundance indicators were quite high in 2011. A total of 2 648 t were landed, which is higher than in 2008 and 18% above the average of the past 25 years (2 251 t). Landings reached a historic high of 3 033 t in 2010. Catches per unit effort (CPUEs) in number and weight of commercial lobsters and the commercial density and biomass from the trawl survey were also higher than they were in 2008 and above the series average.
• With regard to the demographic indicators, the average size of commercial lobsters has remained rather stable since 2008 and since the minimum legal size was increased in 2003. The sex ratio is still stable and balanced. The size structures are still truncated, but the proportion of jumbo lobsters (≥ 127 mm in carapace length, CL) has increased slightly since 2008.
• The fishing pressure indicators show that exploitation rates are still high. However, since 2003, fishing mortality for the portion of the population ≥ 76 mm CL dropped as a result of the increase in the minimum legal size.
• The productivity indicators remained high. With regard to reproduction, the abundance of berried females and egg production were higher in 2011 than in 2008. The contribution of multiparous females to this production also increased. Recruitment indices suggest that landings in 2012 and 2013 will remain high. Juvenile abundance indices show excellent potential for maintaining good recruitment to the fishery in the longer term (8–10 years).
• It can be concluded that with its high abundance and productivity, the lobster stock in the Magdalen Islands is in good shape and that under the present environmental conditions, current exploitation levels do not compromise its sustainability. However, a decrease in exploitation rates could theoretically improve the size structure.
• A precautionary approach was suggested for LFA 22 and reference points were determined in order to define the three stock status zones (healthy, cautious and critical). Lobster stocks in the Islands are currently in the healthy zone.

This Science Advisory Report is from the February 1–2, 2012 regional peer review on the Assessment of the lobster in the Quebec’s inshore waters. Additional publications from this process will be posted as they become available on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada Science Advisory Schedule.

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