Assessment of the Canadian LFA 41 offshore lobster (Homarus americanus) fishery (NAFO divisions 4X 5Zc) / D.S. Pezzack ... [et al.].: Fs70-5/2015-066E-PDF

The offshore fishery for American Lobster (Homarus americanus) in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 41 was assessed based on indicators from the fishery and from fishery-independent trawl surveys. A series of primary indicators were chosen, and boundary levels proposed for each. Secondary indicators that aid in interpretation of trends were also evaluated. The primary indicator boundaries were not considered equivalent to limit reference points and uppers stock references in the sense of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) Precautionary Approach since consideration of multiple indicators is important for this stock. Instead, it is proposed that a combination of abundance and size indicator values be used to define the cautious zone. The primary indicators for abundance are based on the mean number per tow in the DFO Maritimes Region Research Vessel trawl surveys (RV surveys). These indicators have been increasing since the mid-1990s, and are at an all-time high for the 30 year time series. The lowest values are considered to correspond with a healthy and productive state. As a result, there is no “low” point from which to judge potential for recovery. Size is regarded as indicative of the exploitation rate.

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