2018 Snow Crab (Northeastern Nova Scotia) – Crab Fishing Areas 20-22

The Maritimes Region Northeastern Nova Scotia Snow Crab fishery occurs in Crab Fishing Areas 20-22, as defined by the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985 (Schedule XI).

Dates of season (subject to change)

Spring: April 14th – May 13th 
Summer: July 21st – August 18th

Total Allowable Catches

The 2018 Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for Snow Crab in Northeastern Nova Scotia is 784t, and represents an approximately 5% decrease from the 2017 TAC. 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.

The 784t for 2018 also includes the 73.88t 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 2018 fishery only.

Links to other information

• Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat