The FFAW says its members will continue to ensure that the snow crab fishery remains healthy for years to come.

DFO released its snow crab stock assessment today, showing that while biomass levels are at the highest seen in decades, there are some areas of concern.

Snow crab is a cold-water species that thrives in a narrow range of temperatures, and variation in temperature can have a profound effect on production, early survival and recruitment.

DFO’s Julia Pantin says there is some variation between stocks in certain NAFO zones.

While fishing areas 3LNO – which comprises the area from Cape Freels to Cape St. Mary’s – and 3Ps on the south coast are in the Healthy Zone, more northern areas, including 3K on the northeast coast and 2HJ on the coast of Labrador, are in the cautious zone.

The FFAW’s Jason Spingle says stock advisory sessions are starting up this Thursday.