Research Document - 2004/034
Historical review (1996-2002) and assessment of the 2003 snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) fishery off eastern Nova Scotia (Areas 20 to 24).
By Biron, M., Savoie, L., Sabean, C., Wade, E., Hébert, M., Moriyasu, M.
Abstract
The assessment of the snow crab stock status for eastern Nova Scotia (ENS) in 2003 is presented based on the 1996 – 2003 fisheries data (logbook and sea sampling of the commercial catches) and 1997 – 2003 trawl surveys. Two additional indicators of stock status were introduced in this assessment: spatial analysis of the landings and degree of aggregation. In addition, minor changes were made to the computation steps used to develop mapping and abundance estimations that have rescaled the previous survey series relative to those of 2003.
Landings in ENS have remained at record levels (>10,000 t) since 2000, but signs of the adult population decline are now becoming apparent. Fishery, at-sea observer and trawl survey indicators all point to a declining commercial biomass. Considering that the estimated abundance of recruits is at low levels for the past 2-3 years and the abundance of crab expected to recruit in 2-3 years will also stay at low levels, it is likely that the abundance of the resource will continue to decline for a few more years. However, the presence of small crab (15-50 mm) suggests that recruitment may improve after the anticipated period of lower abundance.
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