FishSource

Canada Gulf of St. Lawrence snow crab - pot/trap (FIP)

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Last Updated:

Progress Rating: C

Evaluation Start Date: 2021-04-01

Type: Comprehensive

Status: Active

FIP Lead: MKM Global (MG)

Stock Profile Link
Queen crab - NW Atlantic

Comments:

FIP is implementing tasks in the FIP workplan. FIP is at stage 3 and C rated.

1. FIP Development	Oct 17	Fishery assessment or scoping document made public 10 October 2017 — Pre-assessment made available
2. FIP Launch	Apr 21	Confirmation of project participants 1 April 2021 — Participants confirmed
2. FIP Launch	Apr 21	Workplan made public 1 April 2021 — Workplan made public
3. FIP Implementation	Oct 22	FIP activities undertaken 16 October 2022 — An update on the sustainable lobster fishery was provided at the Newfoundland seal regional consultation meeting; management measures were discussed, including DFO's Ghost Gear Fund, which has removed 7, 560 units of gear since July 2020. 22 September 2022 — DFO's Whalesafe Gear Adoption Fund (WSGF) has committed to providing up to $20 million towards the purchase, testing and refinement of whalesafe gear with the goal of making gear innovations fully operational by 2023, and to support the advancement of rope-on-demand gear technology. 1 September 2022 — The FIP is utilizing DFO's interactive NARW detection map. Fishers will fill out a separate form to record any interactions. 2 August 2022 — A weak rope trial was conducted at sea in which four weakened buoy lines were tested during normal snow crab fishing; a draft report has been made available. 15 January 2022 — A report on gear testing currently underway is published - as a technical brief for the industry 1 December 2021 — Fisheries and Oceans Canada issued the snow crab fishery a fishing license in conjunction with a list of conditions to abide by according to their designated fishing areas 30 November 2021 — North Atlantic Advisory Committee held virtual meeting at the end of November 2021 to discuss protection measures implemented over the past year and into 2022 and beyond 19 October 2021 — FIP consortium annual meeting held meeting where updates on gear modifications, market interest, policy and other developments discussed 15 October 2021 — The first Scientific Advisory Committee meeting was held virtually. Participants discussed ongoing projects utilizing ropeless and weak rope technology 30 June 2021 — North Atlantic Right Whale observations recorded and mapped between April 2021 and the end of June 2021
4. Improvements in Fishing Practices and Fishery Management	—	Verifiable improvement in policy/management and fishing practices 27 September 2022 — DFO has launched a Fishing Gear Reporting System and FIP has begun reporting data via the Global Ghost Gear Initiative
5. Improvements on the Water	—	Verifiable improvement on the water
6. MSC certification (optional)	—	MSC certificate made public