Terms of Reference

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

Regional Peer Review - Quebec Region

February 16-17, 2016
Mont-Joli, Québec

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 Total Allowable Catches (TACs) based on the recruitment waves and troughs. In 2014, landings have totaled 9,919 t, up from 2013.

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 quotas. The legal size is 95 mm.

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, 16A, 12A, 12B and 12C for the 2016 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: number per unit of effort (NPUE) of legal-size and sub-legal-size crabs, mean carapace width for males and spermatheca load;
• 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, size structure and maturity 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 2016 fishing seasons, among others, harvest levels and their possible effects on the abundance and maintenance of the reproductive potential, based on a summary table of main indicators for the precautionary approach and short- and medium-term predictions.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report on snow crab of the Estuary and Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence;
• CSAS Proceedings summarizing the discussion.

Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science, and Ecosystems and Fisheries Management sectors)
• Fishing industry
• Provincial representatives
• Aboriginal Communities / Organizations