Research Document - 2013/112
Update on trends in the abundance, distribution and size-composition of snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) in the September multi-species bottom trawl survey of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, 1980-2012
By H.P. Benoît
Abstract
The research vessel bottom-trawl survey of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence undertaken each September (RV survey) has been shown to provide reliable standardized indices of abundance, spatial distribution and habitat use of commercial-sized male snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) for 2001-present and of all snow crab (aggregated index) for 1980-present. This document provides an update for abundances indices, spatial distribution and size composition based on the results of the 2012 survey. This information was provided in support of the 2013 regional assessment process for the stock, that took place in Moncton, NB on January 30 and 31. Of particular note, the RV survey confirms a continued high abundance of commercial-sized male snow crab also observed in 2011 and 2012 in a dedicated snow crab survey. The 2012 RV survey also captured an unusually high number of small crabs (≤15 mm) in several areas of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. These crabs may represent a very early signal of strong incoming recruitment that will hopefully be tracked over the coming years.
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