Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (CFAs 12, 12E, 12F and 19) Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) stock assessment in 2023

Abstract

Stock status of southern Gulf of Saint Lawrence (sGSL) snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) in 2023 is in the healthy zone of the Precautionary Approach (PA). A commercial biomass of 67,703 tonnes (t) is projected for 2024. Fishery recruitment biomass is estimated at 44,484 t, while the residual biomass was estimated at 24,393 t. Based on the harvest decision rule the commercial biomass estimate corresponds to a target exploitation rate of 38.59% and a catch option of 26,126 t for the 2024 fishery. For this catch option, a risk analysis indicates that there is a very low likelihood that the residual biomass would be below the limit reference point and a very high likelihood that the 2024 commercial stock biomass will remain above the upper stock reference point. Female spawning stock abundance remains at high levels. Population recruitment has declined to average levels. Warming bottom temperatures remain a cause for concern, with crab densities in areas along the margins of the sGSL showing marked declines in recent years.