Terms of Reference

Assessment of Snow Crab and Sea Scallop: Size at which Whelk sexual maturity is achieved

Newfoundland and Labrador Regional Advisory Meeting (RAP)

February 28 - March 4, 2011
March 7 - 11, 2011¹
St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador

Chairperson: Becky Sjare

Context

The status of Divisions 2HJ3KLNO, Subdivision 3Ps and Division 4R Snow Crab was last assessed in 2010.  The current assessment of these stocks is requested by Fisheries and Aquaculture Management (FAM) to provide advice that will inform the management decisons for the 2011 Snow Crab fishery. These stocks are assessed annually.

Subdivision 3Ps Sea Scallop was last assessed in 2007 using the Science Special Response Process (SSRP). The current assessment of this stock is requested by Fisheries and Aquaculture Management to provide current information on the status of the resource and assist in the development of the 2012 Intergrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP).

A summary of the 2009 Newfoundland and Labrador Whelk fishery was presented during the 2010 shellfish assessment  (Feb 24-26).  An update of the available information on whelks will be tabled with emphasis on the size at which sexual maturity is achieved.  This information will be used by FAM to inform a conservation harvesting decision in setting a minimum retention size and the development of other management measures (quotas, seasons, etc.) for the Subdivision 3Ps whelk fishery. 

Objectives

Status of the following stocks will be assessed:

• Snow Crab: Divisions 2HJ3KLNO, Subdivision 3Ps, and Division 4R
• Sea Scallop: Subdivision 3Ps

With reference to Whelks, specifically the size at which 50% of the Whelk population on St. Pierre Bank achieves sexual maturity will be addressed.

Expected Publications

CSAS Science Advisory Reports (SARs) will be produced for snow crab, sea scallop and whelk.  Supporting research documents will also be produced.  A Proceedings document will record the meeting discussions.

Participants

• DFO Science
• DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management
• Fishing / Processing Industry Representatives
• Provincial Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Memorial University
• Aboriginal organizations
• Members of the public with knowledge of the fishery and/or snow crab, sea scallop and whelk biology

¹As required, a second week has been planned to word craft the complete text of the SARs. Summary bullets for each stock will be agreed upon in plenary during the week of February 28-March 4, 2011. RAP Participants are encouraged to attend the second week of discussions and assist in the drafting of the SARs.