Terms of Reference

Assessment of Nova Scotia (4VWX) Snow Crab

Regional Peer Review - Maritimes Region

February 25, 2014
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Chairperson: Christie Whelan

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 and Aquaculture Management Branch requests DFO 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 2014 fishery.

Objectives

Assess the status of Atlantic Nova Scotia’s CFAs snow crab up to the end of 2013, 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 2013 fishery, compared to those in previous years
  • Abundance of female crab from the survey

Evaluate the consequences of different harvest levels during the 2014 fishery on stock abundance and exploitation rate.

Estimate by-catch of soft shell snow crab and non-snow crab species in the 2013 fisheries, identify any notable changes in the occurrence of these bycatch species, and note any possible benthic impacts.

Describe any relevant predator/prey interactions.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report  
• Proceedings 
• Research Document

Participation

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