Atlantic Canada Snow Crab Season Heats Up

March 13, 2023

Snow Crab Season Set to Open in Atlantic Canada

This year's snow crab season in Atlantic Canada is expected to be another successful one, with harvesters expecting a high quota and strong prices.

The snow crab fishery in Canada is managed by three different management areas: CFA 19, CFA 23, and CFA 24E.

In CFA 19, which covers the area from Margaree to Cape Breton, the season will open on March 15 and run until August 31, 2023.

In CFA 23, which covers the area from Cape Breton to the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, the season will also open on March 15 and run until August 31, 2023.

In CFA 24E, which covers the area from the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia to the Bay of Fundy, the season will open on March 15 and run until August 15, 2023.

Prices for snow crab have been strong in recent years, and this year is expected to be no different. In 2022, snow crab at the wharf in Neils Harbour, Cape Breton, was fetching nearly double the price compared to the same time the previous year.

The snow crab industry in Cape Breton is a major economic driver for the region. However, the industry has been facing some challenges in recent years, including rising fuel costs and competition from international markets.

Snow Crab Prices Expected to Remain Strong

Snow crab prices are expected to remain strong in 2023, due to a number of factors.

• Increased demand from China
• A decrease in the supply of snow crab from Russia
• A strong US dollar

As a result of these factors, snow crab prices are expected to remain at or above the current levels for the foreseeable future.

Snow Crab Industry Facing Challenges

The snow crab industry in Atlantic Canada is facing a number of challenges, including:

• Rising fuel costs
• Competition from international markets
• Climate change

These challenges are making it difficult for snow crab harvesters to make a profit.

Government Assistance Available

The Canadian government is providing assistance to the snow crab industry to help it overcome these challenges.

• The government is providing financial assistance to snow crab harvesters to help them offset the cost of rising fuel costs.
• The government is also working to improve market access for snow crab products.

The government's assistance is helping the snow crab industry to remain viable.