This cooperative research effort was led by NMFS with support from BSFRF and ADF&G. It included the placement of specially trained observers on crab vessels during the snow crab fishery in the winters of 2011 and 2012 to collect information on the physical condition of crab returned to the water. The information was used to estimate a predictor of mortality for each crab using a scoring system for a crab’s physical responses after capture. The results from this research are expected to be used for refining the estimate of discard and handling mortality within the snow crab stock assessment model approved by the NPFMC.
2011-2012 Snow Crab Discard Mortality Research
