Research Document - 2000/018
Historical review (1994-1998) and assessment of the 1999 exploratory Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) fishery off southwestern Nova Scotia (NAFO Division 4X)
By Biron, M., R. Campbell, and M. Moriyasu
Abstract
The commercial exploitation and management framework for the exploratory NAFO Division 4X fishery for snow crab, Chionoecetes opilio, has grown from the sporadic trapping that began in 1994 to the current development phase with four exploratory licenses.
The 1999 total landings in southwestern Nova Scotia (SWNS) were 215% higher than those of 1998. There was a 53% increase in the seasonal catch-per-unit-of-effort (CPUE) and a similar level in total fishing effort compared to 1998.
A comprehensive trap survey was carried out in SWNS in 1999 in cooperation with the participating fishermen to this exploratory fishery. The survey showed that the distribution of adult crabs was limited to only two areas and that there was a full range of carapace conditions. However, 85% were older than carapace condition 3. Only 3 females were found, all were multiparous females carrying new eggs.
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