Proceedings 2015/025

Proceedings of the Regional Assessment of Nova Scotia (4VWX) Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio, O. Fabricius); February 24, 2015

Chairperson: Kristian Curran
Editor: Andrew Newbould

Summary

Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio, O. Fabricius) is a subarctic species with a distribution from northern Labrador to near the Gulf of Maine. Habitat preference is soft mud bottoms. The Snow Crab fishery on the Scotian Shelf has been in existence since the early-1970s. The last assessment of Nova Scotia (4VWX) Snow Crab was undertaken on February 25, 2014 (DFO 2014). Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) initially planned for a Snow Crab fishery update in 2015; however, due to a change in research survey vessel it was decided that a full assessment would be undertaken. As such, a Snow Crab assessment science advisory meeting was held February 24, 2015, at the Mic Mac Boatclub, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The Snow Crab science lead, Mr. Adam Cook, reviewed the 2014 fishery and survey. Co-presenter Dr. Jae Choi also provided input into the discussion. The discussion focused on various aspects of the Working Paper, including: size; biomass; migration; bycatch; and predator/prey interactions. Meeting participants then reviewed the Science Advisory Report section-by-section; much of the discussion focused on North-Eastern Nova Scotia. In general, meeting participants felt the Working Paper presented sound scientific analyses based on the best available information on Snow Crab, and is acceptable for publication as a Research Document pending revision following discussions of the meeting. In addition, there was support for publication of the proposed Science Advisory Report provided edits discussed at the meeting were adopted in the report’s final format. The Science Advisory Report received consensus at the meeting.

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