Science Advisory Report  2013/007

Assessment of Rock Crab Stock Status in Quebec in 2012

Summary

• Landings of rock crab in Quebec totalled 1581 t in 2012 and were exclusively from the directed fishery. In 2012, 35% of landings came from the Magdalen Islands (565 t), 29% from the southern part of the Gaspé Peninsula (457 t), 26% from the northern part of the Gaspé Peninsula (407 t) and 10% from the North Shore (153 t).  Landings were down from 2009, when they totalled 1777 t. Quotas were not reached in several sectors due to a decrease in the fishing effort (southern part of the Gaspé Peninsula), or a reduction of rock crab abundance (Magdalen Islands).
• Catch rates have remained above or close to historical averages in the Gaspé Peninsula and North Shore since 2009. However, they have been declining in the Magdalen Islands since 2004 and in 2012, they were 33% below the 1998–2011 average. It is therefore recommended to lower quotas in the Magdalen Islands.
• In most regions, the size structures and average sizes have remained stable for several years. However, that is not the case in the northern part of the Gaspé Peninsula, where a decrease in average size and abundance of large crabs has been observed since 2006. It is recommended to lower quotas in this area.
• The fishery on the North Shore in 16B and 16D is developing well and indicators have remained stable for a number of years. The fishery could become permanent. It is recommended to set a cap on catches at a level equivalent to that in effect for the years when productivity was sustained.
• For all of Quebec, it is recommended not to increase the intensity of the directed fishery given the uncertainty associated with lobster fishermen being able to keep rock crab by-catches without them being fully controlled.
• Lastly, to assess the impact of the rock crab fishery on the ecosystem, in accordance with the DFO Sustainable Fisheries Framework, it is recommended that by-catches of the rock crab directed fishery be recorded.

This science advisory report is from the meeting of February 5, 2013, on the Assessment of Rock Crab in Quebec Inshore Waters. Additional publications arising from this meeting will be posted as they become available on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada Science Advisory Schedule.

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