Publication Date

9-2025

Series Number

5

Publisher

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia

City

Perth

ISBN

978-1-925415-28-5

ISSN

3083-5380

Abstract

The West Coast Deep Sea Crustacean resource consists of crystal crab (snow) (Chaceon albus), champagne crab (spiny) (Hypothalassia acerba) and giant crab (Pseudocarcinus gigas). The resource is mainly accessed by the commercial West Coast Deep Sea Crustacean Managed Fishery (WCDSCMF), which primarily targets crystal crabs. The West Coast Rock Lobster Managed Fishery (WCRLMF) also retains a small amount of champagne crabs as byproduct of deep-water rock lobster fishing. The WCDSCMF is a pot-based fishery using baited pots operated in a long-line formation in shelf edge waters ( > 150 m in depth) off the West Coast and Gascoyne Bioregions (see How et al. 2015). The fishery is primarily managed using a Total Allowable Catch (TAC). In 2016 and 2020, the WCDSCMF achieved Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, confirming the sustainable management of the fishery. In 2024, 121.9 t of crystal crab, 0.83 t of giant crab, and 0.94 t of champagne crab was landed form this resource, generating approximately $6.9 million in GVP.

This document provides the 2025 research advice (based on data up to and including the 2024 fishing season) on the stock status and risk to sustainability of the West Coast Deep Sea Crustacean Resource, as well as advice for the TAC settings of crystal crabs, champagne crabs, and giant crabs in the West Coast Deep Sea Crustacean Managed Fishery.

Number of Pages

70

Keywords

resource assessment report, West Coast Deep Sea Crustacean Resource, crystal crabs, champagne crabs, giant crabs, West Coast Deep Sea Crustacean Managed Fishery, Chaceon albus, Hypothalassia acerba, Pseudocarcinus gigas

Disciplines

Aquaculture and Fisheries | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Natural Resources Management and Policy

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