Snow Crab productivity and Management Targets under Changing Ocean Conditions

With recent annual landings values over $200 million, snow crab remains a dominant component of Newfoundland and Labrador fisheries and these snow crab stocks have recently been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as an initiative of the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP). MSC certification increases market value and access by the fishery; however, it also prescribes research and management milestones aimed at sustainability that must be met within a five year timeframe in order to maintain MSC certification. This research proposal is aimed at fulfilling some of the MSC research needs of industry partners by providing snow crab biomass and harvest rate estimates, and also forecasting how environmental conditions affect the productivity of Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab stocks. By contributing new knowledge in support of the MSC certification process and to aid management decisions, this project will help ensure that the NL snow crab industry maximizes its economic potential for years to come.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Noel Cadigan

Student:

Stephanie Lelievre

Partner:

Association of Seafood Producers

Discipline:

Agriculture

Sector:

Fisheries and wildlife

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland