Canada’s Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Coast Guard Joyce Murray has announced that this year’s total allowable catch (TAC) for the snow crab fishery in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence will be 32,519 tonnes – up from 24,261 tonnes in 2021.
‘Snow crab is one of the Canada’s most valuable and sustainable fisheries. The health of the stock is thanks to the efforts of the harvesters and fleets who work with DFO to ensure the proper management of the resource, rooted in sound science advice,’ Joyce Murray said.
‘After a record season in 2021, I look forward to another successful year for harvesters, and thank them for their continued hard work and dedication to ensure the sustainability of this fishery for years to come.’
This increase is expected to benefit many coastal and indigenous communities of eastern New Brunswick, Gaspésie, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Magdalen Islands, while also ensuring the growth and sustainability of this important stock.
The opening date of the 2022 Snow crab fishery has not yet been decided. The committee for the establishment of the opening date of the fishery will meet and evaluate the weather and ice conditions before making a recommendation. The safety of harvesters is the priority.
As in 2021, ice-breaking arrangements are being made to help open the crab fishery as early as it is safe to do so.
Image: FAO
