The Newfoundland and Labrador crab fishery has evolved from a by-catch of
other fisheries into a well-developed and commercially directed fishery in its
own right. For the first time ever, crab has become the most important species
in the fishery.
During the early stages of the fishery's development, all crab licences were
designated full-time. In 1995, a second licence category (supplementary crab
licence) was introduced for groundfish harvesters. Diminishing opportunities for
traditional groundfish species, combined with an increased abundance and demand
for crab, resulted in the introduction of exploratory licences and temporary
seasonal permits last year. A breakdown of licences by type for the NAFO areas
is provided.
The collapse of groundfish stocks contributed to increased crab populations
through decreased natural predation and, in turn, this gave rise to higher crab
quotas and landings. As illustrated in the accompanying diagram, crab landings
reached their highest level ever in 1995, peaking at 31,500 tonnes. The value of
crab landings reached $171 million in 1995, almost double the landed value
recorded in the previous year. These improvements required the services of about
4,400 people in the harvesting sector and 3,600 people in the processing side of
the crab industry.
Newfoundland crab competes on the world market with crab caught in the Gulf
of St. Lawrence, Alaska and Russia. The most important market currently is
Japan, followed by China. Recent declines in the Alaskan snow crab resource led
to increased demand for Newfoundland crab in major export markets. Crab prices
rose substantially due to improved demand and an appreciation of the Japanese
yen relative to the Canadian dollar. As a result of the strong volume and price
gains last year, the value of snow crab exports peaked at $250 million, making
crab the highest valued fish product export in the Province.
Given the solid resource base for snow crab along with the development of
alternative crab species, such as the rock, toad, and stone crab, it is expected
that these particular shellfish species will continue to play a major role in
the Provincial fishing industry and the economy overall.
