2018 Snow Crab (4X) – Crab Fishing Area 24W

The Maritimes Region 4X Snow Crab fishery occurs in Crab Fishing Area 24W, as defined by the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985 (Schedule XI).

Dates of season

Due to inclement weather during the late winter, the 2017-2018 season has been extended by one week. The new season end date is April 7, 2018.

The original season dates were set as November 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018.

Total Allowable Catches

The 2017-18 Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for Snow Crab in 4X was set at 110t following the advisory committee meeting in August 2017. This represents a marginal increase from the 2016-17 TAC, which was set at 80t. This increase was consistent with science advice from the 2017 peer reviewed stock assessment, which recommended status quo to a marginal increase in the TAC. At the time, the stock was considered to be in the Cautious Zone.

The 110t for 2017-18 also includes the 5.39t allocation to be used to contribute funds for the annual Snow Crab survey, under Section 10 of the Fisheries Act.

Management measures

The Snow Crab fishery in the Maritimes Region is managed under the Eastern Nova Scotia and 4X Snow Crab Integrated Fisheries Management Plan.

Please contact your regional DFO office for more information: 902-407-8153 / DFO.MAR-FM-GP.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Single or Multi-year Planning

The information provided is applicable to the 2017-2018 fishery only.

Links to other information

• Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat