North Coast crab fishermen are pulling $100,000 worth of support for important Dungeness crab surveys, following a decision by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada to close the Area A commercial crab fishery July 5.
Crab fishermen participate in crab surveys, which are used by DFO to manage stocks. Fishermen check for soft shells in male crabs, a sign that they are molting, which triggers closures.
But since female crabs are not targeted for harvesting, typically it is only when soft shells are detected in males that results in closures, according to the Area A Crab Association, which represents fishermen in the Skeena and Queen Charlotte area.
According to the association, eight spring surveys turned up no molting males, but in a ninth survey in June, molting females were found. On that basis, DFO closed the commercial crab fishery.
"The controversial decision to close the fishery violated long-standing scientific protocols and DFO has refused to hold a formal meeting between fishermen and scientists to review and interpret the scientific data," the association said in a press release.
Crab fishermen protested the closure last week by blockading a DFO office in Prince Rupert, after they said DFO refused to meet with them.
Yesterday the association announced it will cease doing voluntary crab surveys, which the association values at $100,000.
The North Coast crab fishery employs roughly 300 people and provides $15 million in landed sales.
"The decision to close the fishery on July 5 is an economic catastrophe for the North Coast, since 50% of the crab is caught in the months of July and August," the association said.
A spokesperson for DFO could not be reached for comment.
