PRESENCE OF GROUNDFISH IN CRAB POTS

After reports of groundfish showing up in significant numbers in crab pots in 3K4 last year, we conducted an online survey to document the presence of groundfish in crab pots and how the use of bait has changed over time in the commercial fishery (i.e., bare skivvers versus bait jars; using squid compared to cod or redfish). During the 2024 Collaborative Post-Season (CPS) pot survey, observers and at-sea technicians recorded how much bait was remaining on the skivver. The results of both initiatives were made available at the crab assessment in February and we have revised the post-season pot survey data sheets to better record the amount of bait remaining and presence of predators in the 2025 CPS survey.

Take home message from the online survey and 2024 post-season survey: 

Groundfish predators are much more common in crab pots in 2J and 3K than the other regions (3LNO, 3Ps and 4R).

This year groundfish appear to be showing up earlier and in greater numbers compared to previous years. To document where, when, and how many groundfish are in crab pots:

• We have confirmed that SeaWatch observers are recording the presence of groundfish in pots, and we have reiterated with SeaWatch how important this is. We are expecting more observer coverage in 3K this year.
• One of our at-sea technicians will be onboard 3K4 vessels in May to collect detailed information on groundfish in pots.
• We are starting work with a researcher at DFO to use cameras to better understand what affects crab catchability, including groundfish predators and bait depredation.  
• We held a virtual 3K4 fleet meeting to determine our immediate approach and way forward.
• We have developed data sheets to systematically document the presence of groundfish in pots in the commercial fishery. The data sheets were reviewed and revised at the virtual 3K4 fleet meeting. SeaWatch observers and our technicians cannot be everywhere, but harvesters can record information on the number of pots fished, average pounds per pot, and number of pots with predators.  If enough harvesters record this information for all strings throughout the season, we will be able to use this information to document differences in groundfish predators within and across Crab Management Areas (e.g., 3K4 vs. 3B) and Assessment Divisions (e.g., 3K vs. 2J or 3LNO). Systematically documenting the presence (or not) of groundfish predators is something harvesters and FFAW Staff can do right now to track real changes in the fishery and resource. 

What you can do:

• Print out the data sheets and fill then out for every string and every trip. A separate post describes the datasheets and how to record data here.  Let your Staff Rep know that you are recording data.  We need to know the number of harvesters per CMA.
• Call your Staff Rep when you land, go over the data sheets with them to ensure all data is recorded, and arrange to have the data sent in. Email photos of data sheets, scan or fax them in (FAX: 709-576-1962).
• Tell other harvesters to do the same.  Ideally, we will have a minimum of 40 harvesters participating per fleet.  More is much better and reliable record keeping is crucial.  

Let’s do this! Records from harvesters during the commercial fishing season will be one piece of the puzzle and one that we can start right away.  Get your data sheets here.