Increasing Jonah crab numbers a problem for lobster fishermen in parts of Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia lobster fishermen are facing a new challenge with the burgeoning Jonah crab population. Dan Fleck, the executive director of the Brazil Rock 33/34 Lobster Association, has highlighted the significant impact of these crabs on the lobster catch in certain areas, particularly in lobster fishing area 34, which spans from Yarmouth to the Bay of Fundy.

In an interview with CBC Radio’s Information Morning Nova Scotia, Fleck explained that Jonah crabs are a primary food source for lobsters. As a result, lobsters may be feeding on the crabs instead of the bait in traps, leading to smaller catches. Fishermen in some areas have reported a decrease of 20 to 25 percent in their lobster catches due to this phenomenon.

Jonah crabs are considered a valuable bycatch in lobster fishing area 34, and they can be kept for use as bait or for sale if they measure at least 130 millimeters. However, in neighboring LFA 33, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans does not allow them to be retained. Fleck mentioned that he is unsure why the rules differ in the two fishing areas and that DFO is still researching the matter.

Three years ago, fishermen in LFA 33 requested permission to retain their Jonah crab bycatch, but the issue is still under investigation. The presence of Jonah crabs has become particularly noticeable this season, with some traps being filled predominantly with Jonah crabs.

Fleck received a report from experts in Maine suggesting that the Jonah crab population tends to be cyclical, growing in number before suddenly dropping. He sees potential for a commercial Jonah crab fishery, especially if processing facilities are established. While Jonah crabs are less valuable than lobsters, fetching about 80 cents per pound compared to $15 for lobster, Fleck believes that the existing infrastructure in lobster processing plants could handle a new crab market.

“We’ve had lobster plants that have closed because they might not have had enough lobster to process in the last number of years, and I’m talking about throughout Atlantic Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and P.E.I.,” Fleck said. “I believe that the facilities are there, the workforce is there, the technology and the know-how is there, and I think we could make a run of it.”

The increasing Jonah crab population poses a challenge for Nova Scotia lobster fishermen, but it also presents an opportunity for the development of a new commercial fishery. With the right infrastructure and support, the fishermen could potentially capitalize on this resource and diversify their operations.