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DATASHEETS TO DOCUMENT GROUNDFISH IN CRAB POTS

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DATASHEETS TO DOCUMENT GROUNDFISH IN CRAB POTS
April 21, 2025

FFAW developed data sheets so that harvesters can systematically document the presences (or lack therof) of groundfish in crab pots.  It is important to track changes in the presence of groundfish in all Crab Management Areas (CMAs), not just 3K4 where there are increased reports of groundfish in crab pots. 

Comparisons across CMAs and assessment regions are needed.  We expect to see different predator abundances across and among CMAs and regions, but it is far better to be working from well-documented records than from expectations.  Please help ensure that we have accurate information from your area. 

It’s important that information is collected by as many boats as possible and for the duration of the season.

There are four documents:

  1. Project Overview for Harvesters – this is an explanation of what we’re doing and why, along with instructions.
  2. Trip Details – this form is completed once per trip and is the basic information about you and your trip (name, contact info, etc.).
  3. Set Details – this form has your set details, like position, number of pots, date and time of set, etc. One row of this data sheet is recorded for each string of gear.
  4. Fish Predator Details – like the set details, the information on this sheet is recorded per string and includes the number of groundfish, by species, in that string.

The sheets are here and can be downloaded and printed. We will also be delivering packages of sheets throughout the areas. Please contact your Staff Rep to arrange a drop-off or mail out of printed sheets.

  • Completed sheets can be returned to your staff rep or faxed to (709) 576-1962.
  • Please send in completed sheets following each trip.  
  • Photos can also be sent to your Staff Rep.

The success of this project depends on harvesters documenting what they’re seeing.

Staff Reps:

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Dr. Erin Carruthers

Dr. Erin Carruthers is the Science Director and Senior Fisheries Scientist with the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW-Unifor), which is the labour union that represents the owner-operator fleet in Newfoundland and Labrador. The FFAW is committed to research and management that supports healthy oceans, fisheries, and coastal communities. Dr. Carruthers received her Ph. D. in Biology from Memorial University in 2011 followed by a postdoctoral fellowship with the Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research. Before coming to Newfoundland, Erin worked as a Research Biologist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada at the St. Andrews Biological Station. Her current research program is co-constructed with fish harvesters and includes research on coastal fishing communities, collaborative longline and trap surveys, and best practices for the avoidance, handling and release of unwanted catch.