Reply — An improved link between industry, management and science: review of case history of the southwestern Gulf of St. Lawrence snow crab fisher

Abstract

Loch et al. (1995) examined the recovery of the southwestern Gulf of St. Lawrence snow crab fishery after its nearly collapsed situation in 1988–1989 by highlighting industry involvement, better management practices, and a new survey method. This review did not elucidate underlying biological events but rather emphasized the relationship established among science, management, and industry, which resulted in a unique partnership between the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and industry. Nevertheless, some readers have the impression that the recovery of the snow crab stock was because of the good fishery management and not underlying biological events (Sainte-Marie 1997). In addition, there are some unclear statements that may mislead the reader about the general consensus of Canadian snow crab biologists on snow crab stock dynamics and management approach. Therefore, this response deals with further clarification of Loch et al. (1995) by including the most up to date accounts of developments in snow crab biology and stock assessment in eastern Canada.