Most of the province’s snow crab fishing zones are doing well, according to the latest stock assessment by DFO.

This is the first year the department used the new precautionary framework. Under that model, all areas are expected to remain in the healthy zone this year, with the exception of the 2HJ areas in Labrador, which they expect will remain in the cautious zone.

Overall, Snow Crab Biologist Julia Pantin believes the assessment is good news for the fishery, noting that the bulk of fishing is done in zones 3L, 3N, and 3O—which are doing well.

She says they aren’t seeing any declines, noting they’re seeing increases and well as zones maintaining the status quo.