Terms of Reference

Meetings of the Regional Advisory Process for the Quebec Region on Snow Crab in the Estuary and Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence

February 2 to 4, 2009

Maurice Lamontagne Institute
850, route de la mer, Mont-Joli, Qc

Background

DFO Quebec Science Branch reviews the status of some Gulf of St. Lawrence invertebrates and groundfish stocks in support of management of the fishery. Fisheries and Aquaculture management has requested a scientific advice on Snow Crab stocks status in the Estuary and Northern Gulf in 2009.

Objectives

• Provide scientific advice on the management of snow crab stocks in the Estuary and Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence: management units 13 to 17, 12A, 12B and 12C for the 2009 fishing season. The advice shall include:
• • An assessment of the status of snow crab populations in management units 13 to 17, 12A, 12B and 12C, based on:
  • • commercial fishery statistics following the 2008 season (landings and effort, at-sea sampling). Indicators: commercial CPUE, carapace condition, size structure and mean carapace width for males;
    • post-season trap surveys conducted annually in collaboration with fishers. Indicators: CPUE of legal-size and sub-legal-size crabs, maturity, size, spermatheca load and carapace condition of males;
    • trawl survey(s) conducted annually in certain sectors or areas. Indicators: abundance index of legal-size and sub-legal-size males, maturity, size of both males and females.
  • Perspectives and/or recommendations for 2009 based on a summary table of main indicators for the precautionary approach and short- and medium-term predictions.

Products

• CSAS Science Advisory Report on Snow Crab of the Estuary and Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• CSAS Proceedings summarizing the discussion.

Participation

• DFO Science and Fisheries Management
• Fishing industry
• Provincial representatives
• Aboriginal Communities / Organizations