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Archived – Rock Crab – Areas 12 and 17, Quebec Region
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Species and Area
Quebec Region, Gaspe-Lower St-Laurence area, rock crab fishing in parts of crab fishing areas 12 and 17.
The 17 sub-areas that are harvested correspond to the limits of the lobster fishing areas with limited access to the Gaspe-Lower St-Laurence fish harvesters. It is a coastal zone surrounding the Gaspe peninsula where 32 rock crab licenses, including 9 licenses held by First Nation communities from this area, are active.
Starting from the 2010 season, a total allowable catch (TAC) under a competitive regime is implemented.
Dates of season (subject to change)
17A, 17B and 17C July 18 to September 25 incl.
12D1 to 12 D3 July 18 to September 25 incl.
12D 4 to 12D 7 July 25 to October 2 incl.
12F to 12 Z July 18 to September 25 incl.
Total Allowable Catches and Sharing Arrangements (if applicable)
The Total Allowable Catch limits (TAC) under a competitive regime is:
Areas 17 and 12D1 to 12D3 : |
150 t |
Management Measures
Minimum catch size: All male rock crab under 102 mm in shell width and all female rock crab (of any size) must be returned immediately to the water.
Fishing gears: Traps adapted for the rock crab fishery and equipped with 4-65 mm circular escape vents.
Control of the fishing effort: Hauling and baiting of traps permitted only once per day.
Protected areas: 7 exclusion zones are closed to the rock crab fishery. In addition to these zones, 16 sub-areas around the peninsula that are not harvested will remain as such in 2010 (no valid licence in these sub-areas).
Monitoring measures: Mandatory logbook; 100% hail in to a dockside monitoring company to declare the catches.