Management and Conservation Measures

• Since 1988, a scientific trawl survey is performed in order to determine a biomass estimate. A biomass exploitation rate is established by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in consultation with an advisory committee composed of industry stakeholders. 
• Since 1990, allocations have taken the form of individual quotas that vary significantly depending on the fisherman’s historical performance for the last five years preceding 1990.
• Since 1990, all landings are monitored at the dock by a certified dockside monitoring company.
• For almost 20 years now, an at-sea observers company monitors at least 25% of the departing fishing trips in order to sample the fishermen’s catches.
• From 1994 to 2002, the traditional crab fleet invested over $10 million in research, preservation and stock management in area 12. 
• Since 2005, boats now have a vessel monitoring system commonly known as the black box. 
• Only male crabs whose shell measures at least 95 cm in width can be fished.
• Juvenile crabs of more than 95 cm may be returned to the ocean. 
• Soft-shelled crabs must be returned to the ocean. These crabs are of legal size, but have moulted only in the last few months. They will be ready for fishing the following year. A softshell protocol is in place in order to protect these crabs by closing the areas in which softshell crab catches exceed 20%.
• Exploitation of female crabs is prohibited.
• One hundred and fifty traps are allowed per licence, and the mesh size can be no larger than 75 mm.