2018 Snow Crab (Southeastern Nova Scotia) – Crab Fishing Areas 23 and 24

The Maritimes Region Snow Crab fishery occurs in Crab Fishing Area 23 and the Eastern portion of Crab Fishing Area 24 to Pennant Point, Nova Scotia, as defined by the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985 (Schedule XI).

Dates of season (subject to change)

CFA 23: April 1st – August 31st 
CFA 24E: April 1st – August 31st

Total Allowable Catches

CFA 23

The 2018 Total Allowable Catch in CFA 23 is 3,276t, down from 3,640t in 2017. The 3,276t for 2018 also includes the 325.94t allocation to be used to contribute funds for the annual Snow Crab survey, under Section 10 of the Fisheries Act.

CFA 24E

The 2018 Total Allowable Catch in CFA 24E is 2,781t, down from 3,090t in 2017. The 2,781t for 2018 also includes the 276.69t allocation to be used to contribute funds for the annual Snow Crab survey, under Section 10 of the Fisheries Act.

In both CFA 23 and CFA 24E, the TAC was reduced by 10% from the 2017 levels. This decrease is consistent with science advice from the annual peer reviewed stock assessment, and corresponds to a target harvest rate within the approved harvest control rules for this stock when in the Healthy Zone. 

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 2018 fishery only.

Links to other information

• Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat