Terms of Reference

Regional Advisory Meeting

Snow Crab Regional Advisory Process (RAP)

March 3-5, 2008

March 10-14, 2008¹

St. John’s, NL

Chairperson: Noel Cadigan

Context

The status of Divisions 2J3KLNO, Subdivision 3Ps, and Division 4R snow crab was last assessed in March 2007. The current assessment of resource status is requested by Fisheries and Aquaculture Management to provide advice relevant to harvest levels for 2008.

¹A second week has been planned to word craft the complete text of the SAR. Summary bullets for each stock will be agreed upon in plenary during the March 3-5, 2008 meetings. RAP participants are encouraged to attend the second week of discussions and assist in the drafting of the SAR.

Objectives

• Assessment of snow crab stocks in Divisions 2J3KLNO; Subdivision 3Ps; and Division 4R.

• In addition, an overview of ocean climate conditions during 2007, in comparison to the historical record, will be presented.

Products

A Science Advisory Report (SAR) and associated research documents will be produced for the snow crab assessment. A Proceedings document will record the meeting discussions.

Participation

• DFO Science, Newfoundland and Labrador and NCR

• DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Newfoundland and Labrador Region

• Industry Representatives

• Fish, Food and Allied Workers Representatives

• Provincial Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture

• Memorial University

• Members of the public with knowledge of the fishery and/or snow crab biology