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Terms of Reference

Assessment of the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence Snow Crab stocks (zones 12A, 12C, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16A and 17)

Regional Peer Review – Quebec Region

February 15-17, 2023
Mont-Joli, QC

Co-chairs: Kim Émond et Charley Cyr

Context

The snow crab fishery in the Estuary and the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence began in the late 1960s. Landings have varied depending on the adjusted Total Allowable Catches (TACs) based on the recruitment waves and troughs. In 2021, landings have totaled 4,456 t, down by 8% from 2020. The Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence are divided into nine management areas (13 to 17, 16A, 12A, 12B and 12C). The effort is controlled by a fishing season as well as a limited number of licences and traps and catches are limited by quotas. A limitation of fishing for male crabs with a legal size of 95 mm is also in place. The resource is assessed each year to determine whether changes that have occurred in the stock status necessitate adjustments to the conservation approach and management plan.

Objectives

Provide scientific advice to determine TACs for the snow crab stocks in the Estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence: management units 13 to 17, 16A, 12A and 12C for the 2023 fishing season. The advice shall include:

Expected Publications

Expected Participation

Notice

Participation to CSAS peer review meetings is by invitation only.

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