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 Tanner crab fishery in the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 seasons 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 crabβs physical responses after capture. The results from this research are currently used for refining the estimate of discard and handling mortality within the Tanner crab stock assessment model approved by the NPFMC.
2012-14 Tanner Crab Discard Mortality Research
