Snow Crab Fishing Area 19

Species and Area

Snow Crab Area 19

Dates of season (subject to change)

Opening and close dates to be set in collaboration with harvesters

Total Allowable Catches and Sharing Arrangements (if applicable)

1,702 t

Further to the decision to implement the Precautionary Approach in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence snow crab fishery and in consideration the established biological reference points, the 2011 Total Allowable Catch (TAC) in Area 19 has been set at 1,702 t.

This is in keeping with a targeted global TAC for the southern Gulf which is based on a targeted exploitation rate in 2011 of 35%. Furthermore, the biomass estimate for the southern Gulf and for each of the crab fishing areas will hereafter be based on information provided by a fall trawl survey.

TAC distribution* (metric tons)

As in 2010.

Further details about the season opening and closing dates and other management measures will be provided in a Conservation Harvesting Plan to be provided shortly.

For information:

Alain Hébert
Resource Management;
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Moncton, NB
506-851-7790

Helen Kerr
Area Office
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Antigonish, NS
902-863-5670 ext. 2224