Fisheries and Oceans Canada today reported that the value of snow crab landings for the 2011 fishing season in Newfoundland and Labrador surpassed $250 million, the highest recorded landed value for snow crab in the province since 2004. The landed value represents an increase of 61 percent over last season.
The price paid to fish harvesters this year for their snow crab catches was $2.15 per pound, with some harvesters receiving an even higher price. This was the highest price paid for snow crab in seven years. Approximately 95 per cent of the entire quota for the 2011 snow crab fishery was landed.
“Our government is committed to ensuring the long-term prosperity and viability of Canadian fisheries,” said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. “It is tremendous to see the snow crab fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador so successful this year.”
“We recognize the importance industries like the snow crab fishery have on Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy,” said the Honourable Peter Penashue, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador. “Growing the Canadian economy and creating jobs is the top priority for our government and industries like this one do just that.”
Management measures for the snow crab fishery promote sustainability of the resource and are developed through a series of meetings and consultations with stakeholders. The priorities for managing a sustainable snow crab fishery include monitoring for soft-shelled crab, an early start to the season in order to minimize fishing when soft shell crab is abundant, avoiding market gluts by establishing catch rates and landing times, and promoting handling practices that reduce crab mortality.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is committed to ensuring sustainability of fishing resources and working in collaboration with industry to secure successful outcomes for the future.
