Terms of Reference

Assessment of the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence Snow Crab stocks

Regional Advisory Meeting - Quebec Region

February 16-18, 2021
Virtual meeting

Chairperson: Denis Chabot

Context

The snow crab fishery in the Estuary and the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence began in the late 1960s. Landings have varied depending on the adjusted Total Allowable Catches (TACs) based on the recruitment waves and troughs. In 2019, landings have totaled 6,386 t, down by 25% from 2018.

The Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence are divided into nine management areas (13 to 17, 16A, 12A, 12B and 12C). The effort is controlled by a fishing season as well as a limited number of licences and traps and catches are limited by quotas. A limitation of fishing for male crabs with a legal size of 95 mm is also in place.

The resource is assessed each year to determine whether changes that have occurred in the stock status necessitate adjustments to the conservation approach and management plan.

Objectives

Provide scientific advice to determine TACs for the snow crab stocks in the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence: management units 13 to 17, 16A, 12A, 12B and 12C for the 2021 fishing season. The advice shall include:

• Description of the biology of the snow crab in the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence;
• Description of the fishery including landings, fishing effort, carapace condition and changes in size structure over time;
• Analysis of catches per unit effort from the fishery;
• Analysis of data from post-season trap surveys conducted annually in collaboration with fishers. Indicators: number per unit of effort (NPUE) of legal-size and sub-legal-size crabs, changes in size structure over time and spermatheca load when available;
• Analysis of data from trawl survey(s) conducted annually in certain sectors or areas. Indicators: abundance index of legal-size and sub-legal-size males, changes in size structure over time and maturity of both males and females;
• Identification and prioritization of research projects to be considered for the future;
• Perspectives and/or recommendations on management measures in effect for the 2021 fishing season, among others, harvest levels and their possible effects on the abundance and maintenance of the reproductive potential, based on a combined indicator (CPUE and NPUE) and a summary table of main indicators for the precautionary approach and short- and medium-term predictions.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report on snow crab of the Estuary and Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence;
• CSAS Proceedings summarizing the discussion.

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science, and Ecosystems and Fisheries Management sectors)
• Fishing industry
• Provincial representatives
• Aboriginal Communities / Organizations