Research Document 1997/148
Biological background for the development of a new fishery for the grooved Tanner crab (Chionoecetes tanneri) off British Columbia
By A.C. Phillips and R. Lauzier
Abstract
This paper reviews what is known of the biology and fishery for the Grooved Tanner crab, Chionoecetes tanneri as the first phase towards developing a new fishery for this species. Specific information was collected from past and present fisheries for this species and fisheries that recorded C tanneri as bycatch. Additional information from research activities and museum collections is also included. Literature on life histories and fisheries for related species is extensively reviewed and applicability of this information to a potential fishery for C. tanneri is considered.
The stock(s) of C. tanneri are not presently well defined, however it appears that no other fisheries have as yet had a significant impact on stocks due to this species deep distribution (>500m). As a result, any directed fishing will impact a virgin biomass. Information collected at the beginning phase of this fishery will be of extreme importance in subsequent stock assessment and management. From our review of other and similar fisheries, it appears likely that C. tanneri cannot be managed on the basis of size and sex limitation alone. Aspects of the life history and reproductive process should be considered in developing a risk-averse harvest strategy.
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