Profile updated on 16 December 2021
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
IDENTIFICATION
SCIENTIFIC NAME(s)
Cancer magister
SPECIES NAME(s)
Dungeness crab
COMMON NAMES
Dungies, Market crab
The stock structure of Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) on the Pacific coast of North America is not clear, with studies from Oregon showing no evidence of sub-structuring (O’Malley K, and Roegner C 2013) but studies from British Columbia showed differentiation of several populations (Beacham TD and Supernault J 2008). Further genetic studies with a broader scope are currently underway.
Despite some evidence for sub-populations, it is not clear if the assessment of Dungeness crab in British Columbia is aligned with these units, and stock assessment surveys are conducted by management areas (Fisheries and Oceans Canada 2015).
ANALYSIS
- Managers use a “3 S” approach to management, with regulations on size, sex, and season (DFO 2021). There are also management measures on number of licenses as well as permitted gear configuration.
SCORES
Management Quality:
≥ 6
≥ 8
≥ 6
