Terms of Reference

Assessment of the status of the lobster (Homarus americanus) and rock crab (Cancer irroratus) stocks of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence

Regional Peer Review – Gulf Region

February 26 to 28, 2013
Moncton, New Brunswick

Chairperson: Marc Lanteigne (DFO Gulf Region)

Context

In support of a request for science advice from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, DFO Gulf Science Branch will review the status of American lobster (Homarus americanus) and rock crab (Cancer irroratus) of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. The most recent lobster assessment was conducted in 2007 (DFO 2007) and for rock crab in 2008 (DFO 2008).

Objectives

Assessment of the status of the fisheries for American lobster and rock crab in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence including:

• Description of present and recent management measures and catches to the end of 2012, including best estimates of total removals by all fisheries.

Overview of biology and characteristics of lobster and rock crab.

Indicators of stock status and trends (fishery dependent and fishery independent indices of abundance) by size group (if available).

For both species, estimates of total biomass as derived from population models for both species.

For both species, estimates of absolute fishing mortality rates.

For both species, proposals for reference points against which to assess stock status.

Description of the impacts of fishing activities for lobster and rock crab on other species and fish habitat.

Description of the impacts of fishing activities for other species on lobster and rock crab.

Description of ecosystem components which are modifying the species abundance and population dynamics (for ex. temperature, predators, prey).

For both species, indicators of stock status which can be used to inform fisheries management on stock status in the intervening years of the multiannual assessment and management cycle.

Expected publications

• CSAS Science Advisory Report for each of lobster and rock crab of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• CSAS Proceedings report summarizing the discussions of the science review.
• CSAS Research Document(s).

Participation

• DFO Science Branch
• Other DFO Sectors
• Provinces
• External experts (to DFO)
• Fishing industry
• Aboriginal peoples

References

DFO, 2007. Framework and Assessment for Lobster (Homarus americanus) in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Lobster Fishing Areas 23, 24, 25, 26A and 26B. DFO. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2007/035.

DFO. 2008. Assessment of the rock crab (Cancer irroratus) fishery in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Lobster Fishing Areas (LFA’s) 23, 24, 25, 26A & 26B for 2000 to 2006. DFO. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2008/022.