Environmental constraints, biological growth and fleet dynamics of a developing fishery: A model study of the Barents Sea snow crab ( Chionoecetes opilio , Majidae) fishery

AbstractThe snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) is an Arctic cold-water species native to the northwestern Atlantic Ocean and the northern Pacific Ocean. During the recent decades, a population has established in the Barents Sea. Several aspects of the snow crabs’ biology in this area have not been described, including time of hatching, intermoult duration of the different larval stages and larval distribution. Insight into the early-life stages might increase the understanding of the population's dynamics and further spreading in the Barents Sea as well as inform basis for making monitoring and management decisions. The present study investigated the presence and developmental stage of snow crab larva in plankton samples obtained in the central Barents Sea during a research survey in June and July 2019. Presence of snow crab larvae was confirmed through taxonomic and genetic identification. All larvae were identified as zoea I, which gives an indication of the timing of the hatching period. Morphological measurements coincide well with those reported in studies from the species native distribution range. No larvae of native Hyas spp. were found and overlap in temporal and spatial distribution is discussed. The study provides important information for development of further research into the biology of the snow crab in the Barents Sea.

Download Full-text

Combining data from different sampling methods to study the development of an alien crab Chionoecetes opilio invasion in the remote and pristine Arctic Kara Sea

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.7952 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. e7952

Author(s):

Anna K. Zalota ◽

Olga L. Zimina ◽

Vassily A. Spiridonov

Keyword(s):

Population Growth ◽

Barents Sea ◽

Kara Sea ◽

High Density ◽

Yamal Peninsula ◽

Snow Crab ◽

Chionoecetes Opilio ◽

The Barents Sea ◽

Crab Population ◽

Size Groups

Data obtained using three different types of sampling gear is compared and combined to assess the size composition and density of a non-indigenous snow crab population Chionoecetes opilio in the previously free of alien species Kara Sea benthos. The Sigsbee trawl has small mesh and catches even recently settled crabs. The large bottom trawl is able to catch large crabs, but does not retain younger crabs, due to its large mesh. Video sampling allows the observation of larger crabs, although some smaller crabs can also be spotted. The combined use of such gear could provide full scope data of the existing size groups in a population. The density of the crabs was calculated from the video footage. The highest figures were in Blagopoluchiya Bay at 0.87 crabs/m2, where the settlement seems to be reaching its first peak of population growth after the introduction. High density in the Kara Gates Strait at 0.55 crabs/m2, could be due to the close proximity of the Barents Sea from where the crabs can enter by both larval dispersal and active adult migration. All size groups have been present in most sampled areas, which suggest successful settlement and growth of crabs over a number of years. Again, this was not the case in Blagopoluchiya Bay with high density of small crabs (<30 mm CW), which confirms its recent population growth. Male to female ratio was strikingly different between the bays of the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago and west of the Yamal Peninsula (0.8 and 3.8 respectively). Seventy five ovigerous females were caught in 2016, which confirms the presence of a reproducing population in the Kara Sea. The spatial structure of the snow crab population in the Kara Sea is still in the process of formation. The presented data indicates that this process may lead to a complex system, which is based on local recruitment and transport of larvae from the Barents Sea and across the western Kara shelf; formation of nursery grounds; active migration of adults and their concentration in the areas of the shelf with appropriate feeding conditions.

Download Full-text

The Snow Crab, Chionoecetes opilio (Decapoda, Majoidea, Oregoniidae) in the Barents Sea

In the Wrong Place - Alien Marine Crustaceans: Distribution, Biology and Impacts ◽

10.1007/978-94-007-0591-3_9 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 283-300 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Ann-Lisbeth Agnalt ◽

Valery Pavlov ◽

Knut Eirik Jørstad ◽

Eva Farestveit ◽

Jan Sundet

Keyword(s):

Barents Sea ◽

Snow Crab ◽

Chionoecetes Opilio ◽

The Barents Sea

Download Full-text

First observation of seasonal variations in the meat and co-products of the snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) in the Barents Sea

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-85101-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Runar Gjerp Solstad ◽

Alexandre Descomps ◽

Sten Ivar Siikavuopio ◽

Rasmus Karstad ◽

Birthe Vang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Seasonal Variations ◽

Barents Sea ◽

Snow Crab ◽

Total Allowable Catch ◽

Chionoecetes Opilio ◽

Spring Period ◽

Meat Content ◽

The Barents Sea ◽

Established Species

AbstractThe snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio), SC, is a newly established species in the Barents Sea. The snow crab fishery has established itself as a new and profitable industry in Norway in the last decade. The fishery started as a year-round fishery, without any information of possible seasonal variations in the quality of the product. In 2017 a total allowable catch was established by the Norwegian government, and the fisheries were subsequently closed during the summer months. In order to optimize fishing times, and to evaluate this growing industry in the Barents Sea, seasonal variations of the meat content of the clusters, as well as variations in content and quality of co-products were investigated, aiming to identify the seasons where the exploitation of different products from SC can be most profitable. The results show seasonal variations in meat content and in composition of co-products. The highest co-product quantities and meat content are from February to April, followed by a period from June to September with decreasing meat and co-products. Our recommendation is to capture the SC in the winter–spring period in the Barents Sea, supporting the current situation and creating most value for the fisheries.

Download Full-text