Terms of Reference

Stock Assessment of Snow Crab in 2HJ3KLNOP4R

Regional Peer Review - Newfoundland and Labrador Region

February 17-19, 2025

St. John’s, NL

Context

The Resource Management sector of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has requested a stock assessment to provide current information on the stock status for Divisions 2HJ3KLNOP4R Snow Crab.

This assessment will provide the science advice that will be used in the 2025 Snow Crab Management Plan. Advice will be used to maintain/revise current management approaches, and to inform decision making. Preliminary exploration of an integrated biomass index will be presented for review. Data will be shared with stakeholders to make informed recommendations on the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and related fisheries management measures for the upcoming Snow Crab seasons. The status of Divisions 2HJ3KLNOP4R Snow Crab was last assessed in 2024.

Objectives

Provide advice on:

• Stock status and trends for each Assessment Division in relation to the Precautionary Approach (PA) Framework and reference points.
• Ecosystem and climate change considerations including relevant summaries of oceanographic conditions, biological community structure and trends, and pertinent knowledge of ecological interactions (e.g., predator, prey) and stressors (e.g., anthropogenic impacts).
• Impacts of various harvest levels on the status of the stock.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Research Document

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Ecosystems and Oceans Science and Resource Management sectors)
• Province of Newfoundland and Labrador – Department of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture
• Nunatsiavut Government
• Indigenous Groups
• Fishing Industry
• Academia
• Other invited experts