2020-21 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 2020-21 fishing season will run from November 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021.

Total allowable catch

The 2020-21 total allowable catch (TAC) for the 4X snow crab fishery is 80 t. This represents a moderate increase from the previous season, in light of positive biomass (the total weight of all individual snow crabs in the population) trends and incoming recruitment and aiming to allow for these positive trends to continue. This is also consistent with the median TAC from the past 7 fishing seasons, over which time the relative biomass index has steadily improved from its historic low point.

There will be no allocation to be used to contribute funds for the annual snow crab survey, under Section 10 of the Fisheries Act, as the 2020 snow crab survey has been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.

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 2020-21 fishery only.

Links to other information

• Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat