Norway’s Ministry of fisheries has set a total quota of 6500 tonnes of snow crab for the Norwegian continental shelf in 2021, representing a 2000 tonne increase over the 2020 quota.
According to the Ministry, the snow crab stock shows positive growth, and encouraging predictions for the stock advice has resulted in this increased quota, which is in line with the recommendations of the Institute of Marine Research.
‘We focused on gathering data concerning the state and distribution of the stock, and overall quota has been kept at a stable level for several years. It could have had positive effects and now allows us an increased catch,’ said Minister of Fisheries and Seafood Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen.
The closed period is set for the period 1st July – 30th September, and the minimum size is remains at 95mm carapace width. Further proposals for regulating the snow crab fishery will be sent to the Directorate of Fisheries for consultation in January.
Image: Odd Kristian Dahle/Fiskebåt
