Terms of Reference

Science Advisory Process on Assessment for Atlantic Nova Scotia Snow Crab

24-25 February, 2010
Mic Mac Amateur Aquatic Club
192 Prince Albert Road
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Chairperson: Tana Worcester

Context

The snow crab fishery on the Atlantic Scotian Shelf occurs annually throughout the year, dependent upon the Crab Fishing Area (CFA). In support of the fishery, DFO Maritimes Fisheries & Aquaculture Management Branch requests Science Branch for an assessment of resource status and the consequences of various harvest levels for the coming fishing season. The current meeting is a scientific review of the assessment and projections undertaken in support of the 2010 fishery.

Objectives

• Assess the status of Atlantic Nova Scotia’s CFA’s snow crab up to the end of 2009, using the following indicators:

• Abundance
• Snow crab survey biomass index of males greater than 95 cm (commercial sizes)

• Recruitment
• Snow crab survey R-1 relative abundance

• Exploitation Rate
• Incidence of CC5 crab in the survey
• Relative exploitation rate from the survey

• Report on
• Commercial catch rates in the 2009 fishery, compared to those in previous years
• Abundance of female crab from the survey

• Evaluate the consequences of different harvest levels during the 2010 fishery on stock abundance and exploitation rate.
• Estimate by-catch of non-snow crab species from the past three fishing seasons.
• Describe any relevant predator/prey interactions.

Outputs

CSAS Science Advisory Report for Atlantic Nova Scotia CFAs
CSAS Proceedings summarizing the discussion
CSAS Research Document

Participation

DFO Science Maritimes
DFO Maritimes Fisheries and Aquaculture Management
Provincial Government representatives
Industry
Invited reviewers