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Research Document - 2014/114

An Assessment of Newfoundland and Labrador Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) in 2013

By D. Mullowney, E. Dawe, W. Coffey, K. Skanes, E. Hynick, D. Fiander, S. Quilty, D. Stansbury, E. Colbourne, and D. Maddock Parsons

Abstract

Resource status was evaluated throughout NAFO (Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization) Divisions 2HJ3KLNOP4R based on trends in biomass, recruitment, production, and mortality. Multiple indices of these metrics were derived from a suite of data sources that include dockside-monitored landings, harvester logbooks, at-sea observer monitoring, pre- and post-season trawl surveys, broad-scale post-season trap surveys, localized inshore trap surveys, a vessel monitoring system (VMS), and biological and oceanographic sampling data from multiple sources. The resource was assessed separately for offshore and inshore areas of each NAFO division, where applicable (Div. 3KLP4R). Data availability varied among divisions and between inshore and offshore areas within divisions. Trap and trawl surveys indicate that overall the exploitable biomass has changed little since the mid-2000s but that recruitment has recently declined and is expected to decline further in the short-term (2-3 years). The resource has become increasingly concentrated into Divisions 3LNO in recent years, with about three-quarters of both the exploitable and pre-recruit biomass, originating in those divisions in both 2013 post-season surveys. Long-term recruitment prospects are unfavourable in all divisions due to a recent warm oceanographic regime. Trends in indices are described in detail for each division and conclusions are presented with respect to the anticipated effects of short-term changes in removal levels on fishery induced mortality.

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