Public Consultation on proposed increase to MnCRS for Brown Crab

Members of the fishing industry in the southeast initiated the current proposal, which would see the MnCRS for brown crab increase from 130mm to 140mm. The proposal was brought to the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) by the South East Regional Fisheries Forum (SE RIFF).

Industry requested the increase as a way of supporting the sustainability of the brown crab fishery by allowing brown crab more time to reproduce. It is also hoped that the measure would improve the quality of crab brought to the market.

The proposal to increase the MnCRS was recommended to the Minister by the NIFF at its meeting in September 2017. Accordingly, the Minister is now considering the introduction of the increase. The information received during the public consultation will inform policy decisions on the proposed measure and will assist in evaluating possible impacts it could have.

The consultation paper on the proposal and information on how to participate in the consultation process can be found in the link here.

The closing date for submissions is Friday 9th February 2018.