Terms of Reference

Assessment of the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence Snow Crab

Regional Peer Review - Quebec Region

February 7-8, 2012
Mont-Joli, QC 

Chairperson: Denis Chabot

Context

The snow crab fishery in the Estuary and the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence began in the late 1960s. Landings have varied depending on the adjusted TACs based on the recruitment waves and troughs. In 2010, landings have totalled 8,209 t, down slightly from 2009.

The Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence are divided into nine management areas (13 to 17, 16A, 12A, 12B and 12C). The effort is controlled by a fishing season and catches are limited by quota.

The resource is assessed each year to determine whether changes that have occurred in the stock status necessitate adjustments to the conservation approach and management plan.

Objectives

Provide scientific advice to determine TACs for the snow crab stocks in the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence: management units 13 to 17, 12A, 12B and 12C for the 2012 fishing season. The advice shall include:

• Description of the biology of the snow crab in the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• Description of the fishery including landings, fishing effort, carapace condition, size structure and mean carapace width for males.
• Analysis of catches per unit effort from the fishery.
• Analysis of data from post-season trap surveys conducted annually in collaboration with fishers. Indicators: NPUE of legal-size and sub-legal-size crabs, size, spermatheca load and carapace condition of males.
• Analysis of data from 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.
• Identification and prioritization of research projects to be considered for the future.
• Perspectives and/or recommendations on management measures in effect for the 2012 fishing seasons based on a summary table of main indicators for the precautionary approach and short- and medium-term predictions.

Expected Publications

• 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