Supporting Management of the Emerging Jonah Crab Fishery and the Iconic Lobster Fishery in the Northeast USA

sampled to date:

JOnah Crabs

130,051

Lobsters

222,587

General Description:

The CFRF Lobster and Jonah Crab Research Fleet project focuses on implementing a cost-effective method to collect critically needed biological data for two commercially important species, the Jonah crab and the American lobster. The project uses a fishing vessel research fleet approach, with lobster and Jonah crab fishermen using digital calipers and the On-Deck Data app to collect biological data from their catch in commercial and ventless traps.

Project Goals:

Continue the Jonah crab and lobster biological time series developed by the successful CFRF On-Deck Data Pilot Project.
Collect and communicate spatially and temporally explicit biological data on Jonah crab to support the development of a management plan and stock assessment.
Determine the size at maturity of male and female Jonah crabs in the Southern New England (SNE), Georges Bank (GB), and Gulf of Maine (GOM) regions.
Better inform the lobster stock assessment by providing essential data on the size, sex, and reproductive structure of the lobster stock, particularly from under-sampled offshore areas.
Demonstrate a model approach to data collection, management, analysis, and utilization that can be duplicated in a cost-effective way in other fisheries.

PROJECT TEAM:

Noelle Olsen - Project Lead
Linus Stoltz
N. David Bethoney
David Spencer, Former CFRF Board Member and Owner of FV Nathaniel Lee

interested in participating?

Check out the Briefing Document for more information and download the Vessel Application Form!

Current Participant VesseLS:

F/V Catherine Ann - Newport, RI
F/V Carol Coles- Newington, NH
F/V Direction - Fairhaven, MA
F/V Erica Knight - Point Judith, RI
F/V Endeavour - Newport, RI
F/V Gladys Elaine - Newington, NH
F/V J-Mar - Point Pleasant, NJ
F/V Judith Ann - Chatham, MA
F/V Karen Ann - Point Judith, RI
F/V Kristin & Michael - Portland, ME
F/V Linda and Laura - Block Island, RI

F/V Madeline Vinca - Block Island, RI
F/V Marika C - Orleans, MA
F/V Megan & Kelsey - Newport, RI
F/V Miss Julie - Sandwich, MA
F/V Rachel Leah - Newington, NH
F/V Select - Point Judith, RI
F/V Terri-Ann - Sandwich, MA
F/V Timothy Michael - Newport, RI
F/V Uptown Girl - Provincetown, MA
F/V Virginia Marie - Sandwich, MA

previous vessels involved Who Contributed to Data Collection:

F/V Dilligaf - Scituate, MA
F/V Diversion - Point Judith, RI
F/V Excalibur - Newport, RI
F/V Freedom - Newport, RI
F/V Lady Clare - Point Judith, RI
F/V Nathaniel Lee - Newport, RI
F/V Revolution - New Bedford, MA
F/V Sakonnet Lobster II - Tiverton, RI
FV Sherri & Deke - Fairhaven, MA
F/V Two Dukes - Sea Isle City, NJ

F/V Adventure - Provincetown, MA
F/V Anna Mary - Montauk, NY
F/V Ashley Ann - Point Judith, RI
F/V Barbara Ann- Point Judith, RI
F/V Bug Catcha- Port Clyde, ME
F/V Bluemoon - Newport, RI
F/V Cailyn and Gregory - Sakonnet Point, RI
F/V Dana Conant- Newington, NH
F/V Debbie Ann - Point Judith, RI

Data Collection Strategies:

Want to learn what data is collected and how our participant fishermen collect it? Click here!

media coverage:

"Cooperative Research Seeks to Fill in Data Gaps to Support Fisheries Science and Management Efforts"-ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Feb/March 2018
“Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant to Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation Supports Lobster and Jonah Crab Management” - Commercial Fisheries News, August 2020, pg. 3
“Collaborative Research Addresses Data Needs for the American Lobster and Jonah Crab Fisheries in the Northeast”- Commercial Fisheries News, October 2020, pg. 3

This project is supported by:

Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Program for funding this work from 2021-2023! You can read the final report for the work this grant supported here.