Research Document 1997/09
Results of 1996 3L inshore/nearshore snow crab time series cruises
By D.M. Taylor, P.G. O'Keefe, and P.J. Veitch
Abstract
Data from trap and trawl catches of snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) obtained during 3 research cruises conducted during 1996 in 3 snow crab management areas in NAFO Division 3L are presented and compared to similar data collected during the 2 years previous in the same areas. Catch rates of legal-sized males caught in commercial-meshed traps were down slightly from 1995 values in Conception Bay and the Northeast Avalon and down sharply in Bonavista Bay (19.2%, 2.3% and 65.2% respectively). Catch rates of small-clawed males captured in small-meshed traps fell in all 3 areas continuing the declining catch rates first reported in 1992.
A modified shrimp trawl was used for the first time in 1996. Tows of 10 minute duration were made contiguous to trap fishing locations. Comparison of the trap/trawl data indicate that the two types of fishing gear may be complementary.
Examination of mature female crab captured during the survey reveal that the vast majority are ovigerous, a situation comparable to all previous years during which the surveys were conducted.
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