Terms of Reference

Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Rock Crab (Cancer irroratus) Stock Review to 2023

Regional Peer Review - Gulf Region

November 13-14, 2024

Virtual Meeting

Chairperson: Venitia Joseph

Context

The Fisheries and Harbour Management sector of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has requested a stock and fishery assessment for the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (sGSL) Rock Crab (Cancer irroratus).

The last scientific assessment for the sGSL Rock Crab was completed in 2013 (DFO 2013), with the latest update of fishery indicators published in 2023 (DFO 2023).

Objectives

The objective of this process is to provide a review of existing information on sGSL rock crab to inform decision making.

• Provide a review and assess the fishery independent and dependent data to determine their potential as stock status indicators.
• Evaluate candidate limit reference points (LRP).
• Review ecosystem and climate change considerations that may have an influence on Rock Crab in sGSL.
• Provide the Rock Crab stock status for the sGSL in relation to a proposed LRP (if possible).

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Research Document

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science and Fisheries and Harbour Management)
• Provincial governments
• Fishing industry experts
• Indigenous communities/organizations
• External experts

References

• DFO. 2013. Assessment of the Rock Crab (Cancer irroratus) fishery in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence for 2006 to 2011. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2013/030.
• DFO. 2023. Update to 2021 of the fishery indicators for rock crab (Cancer irroratus) in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Resp. 2023/005.