2019-20 snow crab (4X) – Crab Fishing Area 24W

Area

The Maritimes Region 4X snow crab fishery occurs in the portion of Crab Fishing Area 24 west of the NAFO 4X line, as defined by the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985 (Schedule XI).

Dates of season

The 2019-20 fishing season will run from November 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020.

Total allowable catch

The 2019-20 total allowable catch (TAC) for the 4X snow crab fishery is 55 t. This represents a harvest rate that is consistent with past approaches when this stock was in the Cautious zone, and falls within the harvest control rules for the fishery. It represents a precautionary approach following a zero TAC during the 2018-19 season and is also consistent with the actual landings from the last active fishing season in 2017-18.

There is no allocation to be used to contribute funds for the annual snow crab survey, under Section 10 of the Fisheries Act. The survey will, however, continue to cover the 4X area.

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.MARFisheriesManagement-GestiondespechesMAR.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Single or multi-year planning

The information provided is applicable to the 2019-20 fishery only.

Links to other information