Species scientific names: Pseudocarcinus gigas
FAO area: 57
Fishing method: pot
Australia – Pot – Pseudocarcinus gigas – FAO 57 (Indian Ocean, Eastern)
Fishery client: Ferguson Australia Proprietary Ltd.
Fishing area: FAO 57, Southern Australia Waters.
Fishing vessels: The Company has a fleet of 60 vessels used in the fishing of several species. Vessels audited on site as fleet samples: M341-1; Explorer S; M342; N070; N004; N040; M184; M368; M404.
Fishing method: Pot.
Certified species: Scientific name: Pseudocarcinus gigas;
Common name: Giant crab.
Management summary
The Australian Fish Monitoring Authority (AFMA) and Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) monitor the fisheries in the Southern Australia Waters. Measures are in place to make sure that overfishing is unlikely such as the total allowable commercial catch (TACC), limited entry into the fishery (license limit), prohibition on the retention of berried females, minimum catch size of 15 cm, spatial closures, and capacity restrictions.
Stock status summary
According to the South Australian Giant Crab Fishery Status Report 2013/2014, the stock is considered undefined, which indicates that not enough information exists to determine stock status. The company ensures that the Giant crab market is small and a controlled fishing effort based on a defined quota of crabs is used to restrain the exploitation of stocks.
Bycatch / discards
Due to the highly selective nature of the fishing gear used in the Giant crab fisheries, discards are very low and undersized individuals are returned unharmed. The little bycatch is used as bait or sold. However, discards are not recorded.
Habitat Impact
Giant crab are caught with pots, which is a passive fishing gear or have no negative interaction with the seabed. Such pots have escape hatches and metal spikes to keep seals out. Another positive aspect is that all vessels are covered by the “Clean Green” certification, which includes measures and protocol for waste disposal in the appropriate location.
Social Accountability performance
The fleet complies with the human rights and Australian regulations.
Conclusion with reasons for approval
The fleet complies with Friend of the Sea requirements, without any major non-conformities for Giant crab. The auditor established a specific recommendation for the staff: they should provide specific data on the stock status as soon as they become available.
