Atlantic Fisheries Research Document 1996/141
Recent trends in the lobster fishery off eastern Cape Breton (LFA 27-30): catch rate and exploitation
By M.J. Tremblay; M.D. Eagles
Abstract
The status of the lobster fishery off eastern Cape Breton (Lobster Fishing Areas 27-30) is evaluated from voluntary fishing logs, samples of the commercial catch, and recent tagging studies. Since 1990, landings and catch rates have declined in each Area. In the largest Area (27), 1995 landings were 43% lower than 1990. These declines are most likely due to a decline in lobster abundance, rather than any declines in fishing effort or lobster catchability. Exploitation rate is estimated using Leslie analysis and mark-capture studies; total mortality is estimated from the numbers of lobsters in successive molt classes. The best current estimates of exploitation are 65%-80% for the northern two-thirds of LFA 27. For the southern part of LFA 27, and for LFA 29 and 30, exploitation estimates are lower (generally 35%-70%) but more variable. Given the steep decline in lobster abundance, steps to increase the egg production of the average lobster are recommended. The most effective method to increase egg production and to increase yield-per-recruit in LFA 27 is through an increase in the minimum legal carapace size.
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