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Thibault Announces Harvest Levels for Newfoundland and Labrador Snow Crab
ST. JOHN’S - The Honourable Robert G. Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans today announced management measures for the Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab fishery in Divisions 2J3KLNO, 3P and 4R for 2003.
“Conservation is our primary concern. As in previous plans, key considerations in the management of the snow crab fishery are maintaining its reproductive potential and achieving a sustainable commercial harvest of legal sized crab. Given the economic importance of the snow crab fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is essential that we take necessary measures to protect the future of this fishery,” stated Minister Thibault.
Newfoundland is the leading Canadian exporter of snow crab and sold more than $435 million worth of crab products in 2002, an increase of 14 per cent compared to 2001.
“The snow crab fishery in most of the Newfoundland and Labrador Region continues to perform strongly. The majority of the fishery occurs in areas where the fishery performance is improving or stable at a relatively high level, ” stated Minister Thibault. “However, given the results of the fishery in portions of 2J and 3Ps in 2002 as well as the available scientific information, I have decided that a reduction in quota in combination with other management measures is necessary to protect the resource in these areas.”
With the minor increases in quotas in some areas and the reductions in 2J and 3Ps the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for 2003 is 56,240 t, a marginal overall decrease from the TAC of 56,981 in 2002.
The four-month fishery will open on Monday, April 21, 2003 and close August 31. Snow crab licenses for some fleets will be available immediately from DFO licensing offices.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Caroline Quinn
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, (613) 992-3474
Jan Woodford
Regional Director of Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Region
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
St. John’s, (709) 772-7622
Newfoundland & Labrador Snow Crab Management 2003 - 2005
Snow Crab Science and Stock Status
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