Snow Crab Research in Canada (Dr. Mikio Moriyasu, Head/Snow Crab Section) 1 | 2 | 3

Histology Systems


Federal Dept. of Fisheries & Oceans, New Brunswick, Canada
The main objective of the Snow Crab Section is to evaluate the numbers and stock condition of the snow crab population on a yearly basis for the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and eastern Nova Scotia. In 2000, the total landings of snow crab were over 19,000 tonnes in the Gulf Region, and 9,800 tonnes in eastern Nova Scotia.

The snow crab team has been conducting a unique large-scale trawl survey since 1988, for the Southern Gulf and since 1997, for eastern Nova Scotia.

Snowcrab, Federal Dept. of Fisherie & Oceans, Canada
In addition, biological research is conducted on various aspects of the snow crab life cycle, such as growth, reproduction, diseases and movement. This research helps provide a better understanding of the population dynamics of the species.

The majority of these activities are financed by a DFO/Industry partnership. The snow crab team keeps in close contact with the fishing industry through frequent informal and advisory meetings; for example, 60 meetings were attended in 2000/2001. A publication of the section’s newsletter called Crabwise is also distributed to all industry members once or twice a year.