TSAWWASSEN FIRST NATION

Transcription

1 July 12, 2017 TSAWWASSEN FIRST NATION SCaWa9cm masteyaxw Review Panel, Roberts Bank Terminal2 Project Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency 22nd Floor, 160 Elgin Street Ottawa, Ontario K 1 A OH3 Via at Panei.RBT2@ceaa.gc.ca Re: Submission oftsawwassen First Nation independent crab study Greetings- Tsawwassen First Nation has been participating in the Environmental Assessment of the proposed Roberts Bank Terminal 2 ("RBT2"). As part of this process, Tsawwassen has received and reviewed the RBT2 Environment Impact Statement ("EIS"), and, along with other reviewers, has had concerns about the methodology and results of those portions of the EIS that are related to the impacts of RBT2 on crab and crab habitat, including proposed mitigation. As a result, Tsawwassen First Nation initiated an independent assessment of the impacts ofrbt2 on crab and crab habitat. The study was undertaken by LGL, Ltd., who are technical advisors to Tsawwassen First Nation. Tsawwassen Members participated directly in the collection of data, the discussion of results, and their potential implications. The results of the study indicate, among other things, that: The gain in area available to Tsawwassen First Nation's food, social, and ceremonial ("FSC") crab fishery from the expanded Navigational Closure Area ("NCA") comes at the expense of high quality habitat that will be lost to the footprint of Terminal 2 and the Intermediate Transfer Pit ("ITP"). A large proportion of the Terminal2 and ITP footprints are within the optimal water depths for crab fishing and these areas will not be available for fishing due to project development. Moreover, 43% of the proposed expanded NCA area is located in deep water habitat(> 50 meters) that Tsawwassen First Nation FSC fishermen cannot fish due to gear limitations, and 30% of the expanded NCA is located in habitat that is too shallow(< 2 meters) to be fished. Therefore, a total of73% of the proposed expanded NCA is either too deep or too shallow for crab fishing. Similar to the current NCA, the expanded NCA will only provide temporary refuge from the commercial fishery as males move inside and outside the current NCA. Administration Office: <contact information removed> <contact information removed> <contact information removed> Tel: Fax: Website; tsawwassenfirstnation.com

2 Overall, the study shows that there will be a 50% reduction in optimal (2-20 meter) FSC crab fishing area, and a 20% reduction in accessible (2-50 meter) FSC crab fishing area due to the project. Therefore, the proposed configuration of the expanded NCA does not appear to adequately offset the loss in FSC fishing opportunity and catch as more fishing area will be lost than gained. The losses identified by the study represent a best case scenario for Tsawwassen First Nation. If the mitigation measures proposed by the EIS are less effective than predicted, then Tsawwassen First Nation's access to its FSC crab fishery will be reduced to an even greater degree than indicated above. On June 27, 2017, the Proponent notified Tsawwassen First Nation that the ITP is no longer required as a temporary storage location to support project construction. The effect of this proposed change on the results of the Tsawwassen First Nation crab study cannot be determined until details become available about how the project design and construction will be altered to accommodate the removal of the ITP. At such time, Tsawwassen First Nation may choose to offer further comment on the effect of the new project design on crab and crab habitat. The remainder of the Tsawwassen First Nation crab study, including its assessment of the effects of the Terminal 2 footprint, is unaffected by the proposed design change. Impacts as a result of development so close to our ancestral home are felt more keenly by our Members than other Canadians, thus we feel it is important that we share what we know with you, so that you may make a better-informed decision about this project. It is difficult to balance national economic interests against local environmental impacts. We believe that this report will help provide greater clarity and insight in achieving such a balance. We would like you to consider this report, and publish it in the public registry for the project assessment. A PDF copy of the report and appendices accompanies this letter, and a hard copy will follow by post. If there are any technical issues with the files, please let me know, I can be reached via <contact information removed> at < address removed> or by telephone at <Original signed by> Andrew Bak Territory Management Officer, Tsawwassen First Nation <contact information removed> Administration Office: Tel: <contact information removed> Fax: <contact information removed> Website: tsawwassenfirstnation.com

3 EA3735 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study in the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project Area Prepared by: C.W. Burns, E. Plate, and R. Bocking LGL Limited environmental research associates 9768 Second Street Sidney, BC V8L 3Y8 March 2017

4 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The proposed Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project (the project ) consists of a new three-berth marine container terminal adjacent to the existing Deltaport Terminal and Westshore Terminals located at Roberts Bank approximately 35 kilometres south of Vancouver. According to the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 environmental impact assessment application, the project s footprint will result in the permanent loss of both intertidal and subtidal Dungeness Crab (Metacarcinus magister) habitat. This permanent and temporary habitat loss was predicted by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) to cause negligible change in crab productive potential based upon a Roberts Bank ecosystem model that VFPA developed. In addition, VFPA suggested that an expanded Navigational Closure Area (NCA) will serve as a crab refuge from commercial fishing pressure but will remain open and benefit the food, social, and ceremonial (FSC) fishery. Dungeness Crabs are an important economic and FSC resource to Tsawwassen First Nation, and are considered integral to the socio-cultural fabric of the community. Tsawwassen First Nation shares the concerns of federal agency reviewers (i.e., Fisheries and Oceans Canada [DFO]) that the current environmental assessment for the project may underestimate the effects to Dungeness Crab productivity and hence to crab fisheries. Given the concerns regarding project-related effects on crab habitat and the Tsawwassen First Nation s crab fishery, the Tsawwassen First Nation government commissioned a study to examine crab distribution, crab movement, and crab densities (i.e., catch-per-unit-effort) in relationship to the effectiveness of a proposed expanded NCA in the Roberts Bank area for the purported benefit of protecting/maintaining FSC fishing opportunity. Crab population demographics and abundance within and outside of the current NCA was assessed from mid-august to early November 2016 using crab trap lines distributed at four locations. These locations included the Terminal 2 and Intermediate Transfer Pit (ITP) footprints, as well as two locations outside of the footprint or current NCA. Anchor and acoustic tags were applied to captured crabs throughout the duration of the trap sampling period and tagging data were used to assess time to harvest and locations of harvest, for tagged crabs in the commercial and FSC fishery. Movement of crabs into and out of the current NCA was assessed by mobile survey tracking of acoustic tags and reported recaptures by commercial and FSC fishermen. Moreover, interviews were conducted with Tsawwassen First Nation FSC fishermen to determine the current fishing extent, fishing capabilities, and preferences inside the current and proposed expanded NCA. The Tsawwassen First Nation FSC fishermen interviews demonstrated that the current NCA, Terminal 2, and ITP footprint areas are of high importance to the FSC fishery. The Tsawwassen First Nation FSC fishermen fish for crab along the Roberts Bank shelf (sub-areas 29-7 and 29-6) within and outside the current NCA, and within the Terminal 2 and ITP footprints. Approximately 90% of the FSC fishery are carried out in these areas with up to 75% of the of the total FSC harvest occurring in these areas. Sub-areas 29-7 and 29-6 are also open to commercial crab fishing; however, within the current NCA, commercial and recreational fishing for crabs are prohibited, while FSC crab fishing is permitted. Inside the current NCA, the catch of legal-sized male Dungeness Crab was approximately 2.8 times higher than outside the NCA while continuous movement of legal size males across the current NCA border occurred. In general, legal size males moved along the drop-off and from shallow (<20 m) into deeper (>20 m) water. Male movement did not favour an attraction to a particular zone (e.g., moving from inside to outside the current NCA). However, the tag recovery data shows that males which move from inside to outside the current NCA were quickly harvested by the commercial or FSC fishery. Given these results, it is predicted that an expanded NCA would likely continue to provide protection to legal males from harvest in the commercial fishery throughout the fishery season LGL Limited i

5 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Port of Metro Vancouver environmental assessment claims that the FSC fishery would benefit from the proposed expanded NCA because of the exclusion of commercial harvesting from the proposed expanded NCA. Similar to the current NCA, the expanded NCA will only provide temporary refuge from the commercial fishery as males move inside and outside the current NCA. However, 43% of the proposed NCA area is located in deep water habitat (>50 m) that FSC fishermen cannot fish for crabs due to gear limitations, and 30% of the expanded NCA is located in habitat that is too shallow (<2 m) to be fished. Therefore, a total of 73% of the proposed expanded NCA is either too deep or too shallow for crab fishing. The gain in area available to FSC crab fishing from the expanded NCA comes at the expense of high quality habitat that will be lost to the footprint of Terminal 2 and the ITP, both of which are preferred crab fishing locations for FSC fishermen. Within the Terminal 2 and ITP footprints, the optimal FSC crab fishing depth (2 20 m) percentages, by area, are 60% and 100%, respectively. Therefore, a large proportion of the Terminal 2 and ITP footprints are within the optimal water depths for crab fishing and these areas will not be available for fishing due to project development. To quantify the crab fishing area gain versus loss due to the proposed expanded NCA and project footprint development, a crab fishing area balance calculation was conducted. The results show that there will be a 50% reduction in optimal (2 20 m) FSC crab fishing area, and a 20% reduction in accessible (2 50 m) FSC crab fishing area due to the project. Therefore, the proposed configuration of the expanded NCA does not appear to adequately offset the loss in FSC fishing opportunity and catch as more fishing area will be lost than gained. LGL Limited ii

6 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS A team of dedicated people were involved in the successful completion of this study. From Tsawwassen First Nation, we are grateful to Steve Stark and his crew, Cody Howes, who operated and maintained the vessel (Rising Tide) for implementation of the Dungeness Crab trapping and tracking fieldwork. We also thank Peter Grann and Greg Moore for the successful implementation and coordination of the field program. Kyle Flindt and Laura Cassidy coordinated the food, social, and ceremonial fishermen interviews. We extend our thanks to the Tsawwassen First Nation fishermen who provided valuable information, including traditional knowledge, on harvest and fishing preferences, and reported tagged Dungeness Crabs. These people included: Cody Howes, Steve Stark, Mike Baird, Cree Fevang, Brayden Holtz, Ruby Baird, Kyle Williams, Devin Cassidy, Nathan Wilson, and others. Likewise, we appreciated the participation of the Area I Crab Fisherman Association, in particular Justin Taylor, in reporting tagged Dungeness Crabs. From LGL Limited, Lucia Ferreira was essential for the field program implementation and Anita Blakley, with help from Connie Kleckner, managed the tag recovery and community meetings. Lastly, we thank Julio Novoa, Yury Bychkov, and Dave Robichaud for their GIS and analytical expertise and Karl English for his senior review. LGL Limited iii

7 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... i ACKNOWLEDGMENTS... iii TABLE OF CONTENTS... iv LIST OF TABLES... v LIST OF FIGURES... vii ABBREVIATIONS...ix 1 Introduction Background Study Area Crab Fishery Objectives Methods Study Design Trap Sampling Biological Sampling Tagging Anchor Tagging Acoustic Tagging Acoustic Tracking Tag Recovery Data Analysis Overview Catch-Per-Unit-Effort Biological Movement Rate and Direction Anchor Tag Acoustic Tag Harvest and Time-at-Large FSC Fishermen Interviews Depth Stratum Commercial Harvest Quality Assurance/ Quality Control LGL Limited iv

8 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study LIST OF TABLES 3 Results Catch-Per-Unit-Effort CPUE Legal Male Crab CPUE Soft-Shell Legal Male Crab CPUE Hard-Shell Legal Male Crab CPUE Sub-Legal Male Crab CPUE Females Biological Carapace Width (Size) Sex, Size Class and Shell Hardness Movement Rate and Direction Anchor Tag Acoustic Tag Harvest and Time-at-Large FSC Fishermen Interviews Commercial Harvest Discussion Importance to the FSC and Commercial Fishery Movement Inside and Outside the Current NCA Catch-Per-Unit-Effort and Biological Assessment Inside and Outside the Current NCA Evaluation of the Proposed Expanded NCA and Mitigation REFERENCES TABLES FIGURES LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Summary of Dungeness Crab catch-per-unit-effort by zone Table 2 Summary of Dungeness Crab catch-per-unit-effort by set location Table 3 Table 4 Summary of Dungeness Crab catch-per-unit-effort statistical results of likelihood ratio tests for zone models Summary of Dungeness Crab catch-per-unit-effort statistical results of likelihood ratio tests for set location models Table 5 Summary of Dungeness Crab carapace width by zone, sex, and size class Table 6 Summary of Dungeness Crab carapace width by set location and sex LGL Limited v

9 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study LIST OF TABLES Table 7 Summary of Dungeness Crab sex, size class, and shell hardness ratios by zone Table 8 Table 9 Table 10 Table 11 Summary of movement rate by zone and set location for anchor tagged male Dungeness Crabs Summary of total distance travelled by zone and set location for anchor tagged male Dungeness Crabs Summary of release and capture locations by tag type and life stage for tagged male Dungeness Crabs Summary of acoustically tagged Dungeness Crabs released by sex, zone, and set location Table 12 Summary of carapace width for acoustically tagged Dungeness Crabs by sex Table 13 Male Dungeness Crab acoustic tracking summary Table 14 Table 15 Table 16 Table 17 Table 18 Table 19 Table 20 Table 21 Table 22 Summary water depth observations for acoustically tagged male Dungeness Crabs pooled across all zones and set locations Summary of movement rate by zone and set location for all acoustically tagged Dungeness Crabs Summary of movement rate (from first to last observation) by zone and set location for acoustically tagged Dungeness Crabs Summary of all observations for total distance travelled by zone and set location for acoustically tagged Dungeness Crabs Summary of total distance travelled (from first to last observation) by zone and set location for acoustically tagged Dungeness Crabs Summary of acoustically tagged male Dungeness Crabs that moved out of their release zone at least once Summary of days-at-large for tagged Dungeness Crabs by tag type, size class, and release zone Summary of days-at-large for tagged Dungeness Crabs by tag type, size class, and release set location Summary of tag recovery statistics (unknown fishery represents tag returns where fishery type FSC or Commercial was not reported and values include both anchor and acoustically tagged crabs) Table 23 Summary of acoustic tag recovery statistics and harvest rate Table 24 Summary of FSC fishermen interviews (sample size was 10 FSC fishermen) Table 25 Table 26 Summary the current NCA, proposed expanded NCA, ITP footprint, and Terminal footprint by depth stratum (depth strata determined based upon available bathymetry data) Summary of annual commercial Dungeness Crab landings (tonnes) for Pacific Fisheries Management Area 29 and sub-areas Table 27 Summary of FSC crab fishing area balance LGL Limited vi

10 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study LIST OF FIGURES LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Roberts Bank study area Figure 2 Comparison of legal male catch-per-unit-effort estimates by zone and set location Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Comparison of legal male catch-per-unit-effort estimates by study day and set depth Comparison of soft-shell legal male catch-per-unit-effort estimates by zone and set location Comparison of soft-shell legal male catch-per-unit-effort estimates by study day and set depth Comparison of hard-shell legal male catch-per-unit-effort estimates by zone and set location Comparison of sub-legal male catch-per-unit-effort estimates by study day and set depth Comparison of sub-legal male catch-per-unit-effort estimates by zone and set location Comparison of sub-legal male catch-per-unit-effort estimates by study day and set depth Figure 10 Comparison of female catch-per-unit-effort estimates by zone and set location Figure 11 Comparison of female catch-per-unit-effort estimates by day and set depth Figure 12 Comparison of Dungeness Crab carapace width by zone and sex Figure 13 Comparison of male Dungeness Crab carapace width by zone and size class Figure 14 Carapace width frequency distribution of male Dungeness Crabs by zone Figure 15 Carapace width frequency distribution of female Dungeness Crabs by zone Figure 16 Figure 17 Compass and polar histogram plots of movement direction and distance for anchor tagged male Dungeness Crabs Compass and polar histogram plots of movement direction and distance for anchor tagged male Dungeness Crabs by zone Figure 18 Recovery locations of anchor and acoustically tagged male Dungeness Crabs Figure 19 Release locations of acoustically tagged Dungeness Crabs Figure 20 Movement rate of acoustically tagged Dungeness Crabs by zone Figure 21 Figure 22 Figure 23 Compass and polar histogram plots of movement direction and distance for acoustically tagged male Dungeness Crabs Compass and polar histogram plots of movement direction and distance for acoustically tagged male Dungeness Crabs by zone Example movement patterns observed for acoustically tagged male Dungeness Crabs LGL Limited vii

11 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study LIST OF FIGURES Figure 24 Location of acoustically tagged female Dungeness Crabs in January Figure 25 FSC fishermen interview observations Figure 26 Figure 27 Figure 28 Location of optimal FSC fishermen crab fishing depths (2 20 m) within the current NCA, proposed expanded NCA, Terminal 2 footprint, and ITP footprint Comparison of Dungeness Crab commercial fishery effort in DFO Pacific Fisheries Management Area 29 sub-areas Comparison of Dungeness Crab commercial fishery harvest in DFO Pacific Fisheries Management Area 29 sub-areas LGL Limited viii

12 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study ABBREVIATIONS ABBREVIATIONS The following abbreviations are used in this report: ANCOVA CL CPUE df DFO FSC GPS ITP NA NCA NHC PFMA PMV QA QC ROV SCUBA SD SE TFN US UTM VFPA analysis of covariance confidence limits catch-per-unit-effort degrees of freedom Fisheries and Oceans Canada food, social, and ceremonial Global Positioning System Intermediate Transfer Pit Not Applicable Navigational Closure Area Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Ltd. Pacific Fisheries Management Area Port Metro Vancouver quality assurance quality control remotely operated underwater vehicle self-contained underwater breathing apparatus standard deviation standard error Tsawwassen First Nation United States Universal Transverse Mercator Vancouver Fraser Port Authority LGL Limited ix

13 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study INTRODUCTION 1 Introduction 1.1 Background The proposed Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project (the project ) consists of a new three-berth marine container terminal located at Roberts Bank, Delta, BC, approximately 35 kilometres (km) south of Vancouver. The project is proposed for an area adjacent to the existing Deltaport Terminal and Westshore Terminals and will provide an additional 2.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units of container capacity per year at Roberts Bank. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA), proposes development of the project to ensure the availability of adequate container capacity to meet projected demand to The terminal will be oriented parallel to the shoreline (perpendicular to the causeway) and will extend approximately 600 metres (m) further offshore than the edge of the existing terminal at Roberts Bank (Figure 1). The terminal will be rectangular in shape, with a berth face length of 1,300 m to accommodate the mooring of three ships, and a terminal width of 700 m to support terminal components. The total marine footprint of the terminal will be approximately 117 ha. In addition, a temporary (4 years) Intermediate Transfer Pit (ITP) will be established for dredged materials from the Fraser River shipping lanes that will be temporary stored to be used as fill material for the new terminal. According to the VFPA s Roberts Bank Terminal 2 environmental impact assessment application (PMV 2015), the project s footprint will result in the permanent loss of both intertidal and subtidal Dungeness Crab (Metacarcinus magister) habitat. Based on crab habitat suitability modelling and validation, high and moderate habitat for adult and gravid female crabs is present within the Terminal 2 and ITP footprints (Hemmera 2014a). This permanent and temporary habitat loss is predicted to have a negligible decrease of 3% in crab productive potential based upon the Roberts Bank ecosystem model. Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) is concerned about the project development with regards to effects on the sustainability of Dungeness Crab within the Tsawwassen Domestic Fishing Area (Tsawwassen Final Agreement) and on TFN food, social, and ceremonial (FSC) and commercial fisheries for Dungeness Crab. Dungeness Crabs are an important economic and FSC resource to TFN, and are integral to the socio-cultural fabric of the community. In addition, TFN and its members participate in the commercial Dungeness Crab fishery. Tsawwassen First Nation and federal agency reviewers (i.e., Fisheries and Oceans Canada [DFO]) share the concern that effects to Dungeness Crab productivity, and hence to crab fisheries, may have been underestimated by VFPA due to 1) uncertainties associated with the ecosystem model s parameter estimates, validity, and defensibility (DFO 2016a); 2) the loss of high to moderate quality adult, juvenile, and gravid female habitat; and 3) alteration of crab habitat due to predicted changes in sediment deposition, current, and wave process from the project s footprint (NHC 2014). The current Navigational Closure Area (NCA) was created in 2009 to accommodate associated seaward vessel approaches to the existing Roberts Bank Terminal and BC Ferries Terminal, while minimizing interactions between crab harvesting and vessel navigation. The current NCA restricts commercial and recreational crab harvest, while FSC crab harvest is permitted without floats. As part of the project, the NCA will be expanded to the west (Figure 1). According to the VFPA s Roberts Bank Terminal 2 environmental impact assessment application (PMV 2015), the expanded NCA will serve as a crab refuge from commercial fishing pressure but will remain open and benefit the TFN FSC fishery. In its application, VFPA did not provide compelling evidence to support this assertion and TFN is not convinced that the expanded NCA will benefit the TFN FSC fishery. LGL Limited 1

14 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study INTRODUCTION Given these concerns regarding project-related effects on crab habitat and the TFN FSC fishery, the TFN government commissioned a study to examine crab distribution, crab movement, and catch-per-effort in the Roberts Bank area. 1.2 Study Area The study area for this program is centered on the Roberts Banks Terminal 2 Project near Delta, BC. The study area covers 101 km 2, and is confined to the coastal marine waters between Canoe Passage to the northwest and Point Roberts to the southeast (Figure 1). The study area is bounded near the 100-m depth contour to the west, which is approximately 8.7 km from the shoreline, and runs parallel along the shoreline. Several jurisdictional areas are located within the study area. These include: Canadian and United States (US) marine waters; Tsawwassen First Nation community lease lands; Fisheries and Oceans Canada Pacific Fisheries Management Area (PFMA) 29 and sub-areas 29-6 to 29-9; and NCAs for exclusion of commercial and recreational crab harvesting. Roberts Bank is part of the dynamic and productive Fraser River estuary that contributes to the productivity of many species including native eelgrass (Zostera marina), Dungeness Crab, juvenile salmonids (Oncorhynchus species), and shorebirds. The tidal exchange between the Strait of Georgia marine water and freshwater from the Fraser River, combined with large areas of shallow sand and mudflats exposed to high temperatures and ample sunlight, provide optimal conditions for primary and secondary production. This primary production supports a diverse ecosystem that functions as habitat for rearing juvenile fish from the Fraser River and marine life from the Strait of Georgia (PMV 2015). 1.3 Crab Fishery The study area is located within PFMA 29 (Figure 1). The commercial crab fishery is managed using a 3-S strategy that restricts harvest by sex, size, and season (DFO 2016c). Only males larger than the minimum size limit (point-to-point width of 165 mm) are permitted to be retained during the open season, which operates from June 15 to November 30. Soft-shell males are also not permitted to be retained. The 3-S strategy aims to maintain the reproductive potential of crab stocks by prohibiting harvest of females and allowing sexually mature males to mate at least once prior to harvest (DFO 2016c). Other limits and restrictions to the commercial fishery include: trap limits, gear marking and gear size requirements, daily fishing time restrictions and weekly haul limits. Generally, male crabs in the Fraser River estuary (i.e., PFMA 29) moult their shells in the spring and their new shells have sufficiently hardened to allow commercial harvest to commence in mid-june. Legal-sized male crabs are rapidly fished down over a period of approximately six weeks following the opening of the fishery; thereafter, the catch remains low and relatively stable until the close of the fishery in November (Zhang et al. 2002). The PFMA 29 fishery is highly intensive, with exploitation rates at approximately 90%, meaning that nearly all legal-sized males are removed during the fishing season (Zhang et al. 2002). The recreational crab fishery is open year-round in most areas. Management measures in the recreational fishery include female non-retention, minimum size limit (point-to-point width of 165 mm), specific buoy and trap regulations, and area specific daily and possession limits (DFO 2016c). The FSC crab fishery is open year-round. First Nation fishing effort for FSC purpose is not limited by catch quantity, except in those First Nations where a council or fisheries program has established their own LGL Limited 2

15 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study INTRODUCTION catch limits for members, or where allocated under a treaty (DFO 2016c). A number of First Nation FSC fisheries use the study area for crab harvest. As with the commercial and recreational fishery, a minimum size limit of 165 mm width applies to the FSC fishery. All female crabs are voluntarily released in support of sustainable fisheries management. For the TFN FSC fishery specifically there are standard fisheries operational guidelines with conservation goals and objectives (TFN 2013). Monitoring and reporting of crab harvest is conducted annually and this information contributes to crab management and decision making processes. Annual catch is reported to DFO. Dungeness Crab catch are not currently allocated under the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement, but the agreement does describe a process to determine TFN allocation in the twelfth year of their catch monitoring program (TFN 2013). If the project reduces the availability of crab or the ability for TFN to harvest crab for FSC purposes, and catches are subsequently reduced, then this could have a direct bearing on any future allocation of Dungeness Crab under the Treaty. The agreement authorizes the harvest of crabs using the number of traps proposed by TFN in the Tsawwassen Annual Fishing Plan, if the number of traps does not exceed 50 traps per vessel, and the traps meet the requirements (e.g., escape ports, rot cords, trap tags) as set out in the Tsawwassen Fisheries Operational Guidelines (TFN 2013). Tsawwassen First Nation FSC fishery releases all female and under-sized crabs (<165 mm width) in support of sustainable fisheries management. Within the current NCA, commercial and recreational fishing for crabs are prohibited, while FSC fishing for crabs by Aboriginal groups is permitted in the current NCA without floats. 1.4 Objectives The primary objective of the study was to assess the effect of the proposed expanded NCA on the TFN FSC fishery by examining relative crab abundance and movement inside and outside of the current NCA and the project s footprints. In particular, we wished to evaluate the assertion by VFPA that the FSC fishery would benefit from the proposed expanded NCA because of the exclusion of commercial harvesting. This study is intended for submission to the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project Independent Review Panel to inform their review of the project. The specific objectives of this study were as follows: 1. Evaluate relative crab abundance using catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) and associated biological characteristics inside the current and proposed expanded NCA, the Terminal 2 expansion area and the ITP area to: a. Compare the CPUE of crabs between each of these areas; b. Compare the population demographics and biological characteristics of crabs between each of these areas; c. Assess the relative importance of crab habitat that will be temporarily or permanently covered by the project footprint; and d. Compare the fishing effort required to catch crabs inside and outside of the current NCA. 2. Monitor the movement of crabs into and out of the current and the expanded NCA to: a. Evaluate the degree to which crabs inside the current NCA may be attracted to commercial traps outside the current NCA; LGL Limited 3

16 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study METHODS b. Determine how crab movement might affect catch rates in the commercial fishery outside the current NCA, and catch rates in the TFN FSC fishery inside the current NCA; and c. Identify congregation areas of mature and if possible gravid female Dungeness Crab within the study area. 3. Conduct interviews with TFN FSC fishermen to: a. Determine current FSC crab fishing extent, capabilities, and preferences inside the current and proposed expanded NCA, inside the Terminal 2 and ITP footprints, and within DFO PFMA 29 sub-areas; b. Assess the relative importance of these areas for TFN FSC fishery; and c. Assess the impact of the Terminal 2 expansion and proposed expanded NCA on the ability of TFN FSC fishermen to access preferred harvest areas. 4. Review commercial crab fishing data to: 2 Methods 2.1 Study Design a. Determine current commercial crab fishing effort and harvest within DFO PFMA 29 sub-areas; and b. Assess the relative importance of these sub-areas to the commercial crab fishery. To achieve the study objectives, a crab population demographics, abundance and movement field study was implemented within and surrounding the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. Crab population demographics and abundance within and outside of the current NCA were assessed using crab trap lines distributed at four set locations. Differences between inside and outside the current NCA are herein referred to as zone. In each set location within each zone, three trap lines were set as follows (Figure 1): ITP Footprint Trap lines located within the current NCA, parallel to each other, moderate water depth (10-20 m), and at a distance of 200 m to each other inside the footprint area of the ITP; Terminal 2 Footprint Trap lines located outside the current NCA, parallel to each other, shallow water depth (5 10 m), and a distance of 200 m to each other inside the footprint of the proposed Terminal; Inside NCA Trap lines located inside the current NCA, deep water depth (50 75 m), parallel to the current NCA border at increasing distances of 100 m, 300 m, and 500 m to each other; Outside NCA Trap lines located outside the current NCA (inside the VFPA proposed expanded NCA), deep water depth (50 75 m), and perpendicular to the current NCA border at a distance of 300 m to each other to reflect the general orientation of commercial trap lines and reduce interruption of the commercial fishery. Crab movement and harvest within and outside of the current NCA was assessed using anchor tags and acoustic tags. Tags were applied to captured crabs throughout the duration of the trap sampling period. The tagging data were used to assess time to harvest and location of harvest for tagged crabs in the commercial and FSC fishery, and movement into and out of the current NCA based on tag recovery LGL Limited 4

17 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study METHODS reporting in the commercial and FSC fishery. In addition, acoustic tags were tracked using mobile surveys to determine movement of crabs into and out of the current NCA. The details of the field study and FSC fishery assessment methods are detailed in the following sections. 2.2 Trap Sampling Standard commercial crab traps were used in this study. Traps were circular, 105 cm in diameter and 25 cm in height, with rubber wrapped iron lower frames and stainless steel upper frames. Three iron cross bars were welded to the bottom of each trap, and the weight of each trap was approximately 15 kg. Trap frames were composed of stainless steel wire mesh in a diamond shaped pattern with openings of 8 cm to 5 cm (measured from point to point across the maximum width of the diamond shape). Each trap had two opposing tapered entrance tunnels with a rectangular entrance measuring 8 cm by 23 cm. The entrances extended 15 cm into the trap and were equipped with twin triggers 8 cm apart, which enabled a one-way entrance into the trap but no exit. The traps had two 10 cm escape ports, but these were wired closed because the study was intended to provide a broader picture of population structure, including the abundance of undersized crab that may recruit to the future fishery, and the abundance of females (Dunham et al. 2011). Escape ports were equipped with rot cords in the event that a trap was lost. Rot cord disintegrates over time allowing crabs to escape (Dunham et al. 2011). To bait the traps Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasi) was placed inside 500-ml vented jars made of plastic and suspended from the centre of the trap s lid. Bait amount was standardized to two large or three smaller herring per trap. Trapping events were conducted once to twice per week from August 16 to October 12, Traps were set in a line with buoys attached on each end. A standard line was composed of five traps. Non-standard lines varied between 4 and 16 traps due to trap loss throughout the duration of the study and long set lines at the beginning of the study. Crab catch from standard lines was used for CPUE analysis, whereas the limited number of non-standard line set catch data were not used for CPUE analysis. Traps were attached to a ground line by means of stainless snaps on short brackets attached to the traps. Traps were spaced every 40 m so that each trap fished independently (Dunham et al. 2011) and were set for a period of approximately 24 hours to standardize fishing effort. However, set duration varied in a few instances due to high wind weather warnings, which prolonged the set duration. Trap line set and pull times were recorded and trap lines were pulled via a hydraulic pulley. Trap line set depth (m) was recorded using an acoustic sounder. As identified in the study design, trap lines were set in four pre-determined areas (Figure 1). A total of three trap lines were set in each area and spaced approximately 200 m to 300 m apart, depending upon set location. The location of the start and end of each trap line was recorded using a Global Positioning System (GPS) in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) format using the NAD 83 datum. 2.3 Biological Sampling All captured crabs were immediately placed into bins for biological processing and enumerated, measured for carapace width (point-to-point, to the nearest 1 mm), sexed, graded for shell hardness, and examined for injuries. The carapace width was measured using a stainless-steel Vernier caliper. All measured male crabs were classified as either legal ( 165 mm) or sub-legal (<165 mm). Female crabs were not classified based on carapace width as retention of females is prohibited in commercial fisheries. Sex was determined by examining the abdominal area of the crab, with males having a narrow-pointed abdomen which is held tightly against the sternum and females having a broader paddle-shaped abdomen with pleopods (Dunham et al. 2011). Shell hardness was determined by pressing the underside of the crab shell posterior to the claw and visual characteristics identified in LGL Limited 5

18 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study METHODS Dunham et al. (2011). Shell hardness was broadly categorized as soft (moulted not more than three months ago), hard (moulted between three and 12 months ago) or old hard (moulted more than 12 months ago). 2.4 Tagging Anchor Tagging All captured hard and soft-shell Dungeness Crabs were tagged with anchor tags to obtain information on distribution, movement from recaptures. Individually numbered 60 mm T-bar anchors (Model FD-94; Floy Tag and Manufacturing Co.; Seattle, WA) were inserted through the right posterior epimeral suture line with a tagging gun (Dennison Mark III stainless steel pistol grip). Care was taken to not puncture the internal organs. Highly visible colored tags (bright blue for males and orange for females) were used to increase the probability of detection when recaptured. Placing the tag at the epimeral suture line was assumed to have a high retention when the old shell is discarded during a moult based on research by Smith and Jamieson (1989a). Anchor tagged crabs were then immediately released back into the same location as they were captured Acoustic Tagging A sub-sample of crabs were tagged with individually coded acoustic tags throughout the duration of the study. The acoustic tags were used to obtain individual migration data within and outside of the current NCA. The acoustic tags (MAP Series Model mm-m-11-so: Lotek Wireless Inc., Newmarket, ON) were 11 mm x 42 mm epoxy cylinders, 6.6 g in weight, had a battery life of 291 d at 90 second (s) intervals, and transmitted a frequency of 76 KHz. Signal activation of each tag occurred when an attached magnet was removed that opened a micro-switch and initiated transmission of an acoustic signal. All acoustic tags were tested for signal output prior to release. Selection of crabs for acoustic tagging was based upon sex, size, and shell hardness. Legal male crabs ( 165 mm carapace width) and larger females were preferentially selected. Since acoustic tags would be shed during a moult, only crabs that had new hard shells were selected for tagging. The acoustic tags were fixed to the shell by wrapping black electrical tape around the acoustic tag and a 150-lb monofilament fishing line, drilling two 2 mm holes in each end of the carapace point, threading the fishing line through each hole, and crimping each end to hold the line in place. Acoustically tagged crabs were also tagged with an anchor tag and released immediately back into the capture location. Before any acoustically tagged crabs were released into the environment a sub-sample of four crabs were tested for tag retention, crab recovery, and survival over a two-day period in a trap. For this study, we had the goal to deploy a total of 100 individually coded acoustic tags on 80 legal males and 20 females, throughout the duration of the study. Legal male tag deployment was stratified by location in each of the four set locations and by period in each of the sampling weeks. All acoustically tagged females were deployed in the last week sampling event (October 12, 2016) because sufficient tag battery life is required to allow for tracking to burrow locations in late winter (Rasmuson 2013). 2.5 Acoustic Tracking Location of individual acoustic tagged crabs was obtained from mobile tracking using two hydrophones (Model LHP-1) connected to a MAP 600 RT receiver (Model: mm-m tp; Lotek Wireless Inc.; Newmarket, ON). All mobile tracking was conducted using an aluminum crab boat powered by an inboard motor. The boat was equipped with a combination GPS and chart plotter, and custom-welded adjustable hydrophone holders on either side that could be lowered and raised out of the water as LGL Limited 6

19 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study METHODS required. The hydrophones were lowered 1 m below the water surface to achieve unobstructed reception of acoustic signals from all directions. Acoustic tag detection range and receiver output tests were conducted in a sheltered area. For the range test, a tag was fastened to an anchored buoy line and float at a depth of 30 m and the boat was stopped at predetermined distance intervals for a period of five min at each interval. The distance was recorded with a handheld GPS and the acoustic signal strength at each distance interval was recorded as well. Mobile tracking events were conducted one to three times per week from August 31 to November 1, Additional mobile tracking events were conducted during the week of January 23, 2017, to locate female crabs. Based on the acoustic tag detection range and receiver output tests (mean test tag power of 25 at a distance of 400 m) a transect spacing of 350 m was selected. Transects were parallel to each other and covered the entire study area up to a water depth of 2 m. Due to the size of the current NCA and study area, a continuous mobile tracking approach was used in which the hydrophones were continuously in the water during a tracking event. Once a tag signal was detected by the receiver, the tag identification number, signal power, time (to the nearest second) from the GPS, and GPS location (UTM NAD 83 format) were recorded. When multiple locations were identified during a tracking event, the location with the strongest signal was used for analysis. 2.6 Tag Recovery Anchor and acoustic tagged crabs were recovered throughout the study area through three avenues: study program, FSC fishery, and Area I commercial fishery. Prior to study implementation, TFN community announcements and meetings were made to the FSC fishermen describing the study objectives, tag capture and reporting details, and a tag reporting reward program. Prior to study implementation, Area I commercial fishermen were notified of the same study details through announcements and meetings by the Area I Crab Fisherman Association and DFO. A reward program was implemented throughout the duration of the study to encourage fishermen to return and report information regarding recaptured tags during their fisheries. In addition, each returned tag gave the returnee one chance of a draw for a cash reward. During the study program, all captured crabs were examined for presence of an anchor or acoustic tag. Any recaptured tagged crabs were bio-sampled for carapace width, shell hardness, injuries, and the tag number was recorded. The recapture date, time (to the nearest second), and GPS location (UTM NAD 83 format) were recorded for each recaptured tagged crab. If a tag hole was evident but the tag was missing, the recapture was recorded as a tag loss. During the FSC and commercial fishery, fishermen could report their captured tagged crabs through a toll-free phone number. For each reported tagged crab the following information was obtained: fishermen name and contact information, tag number, recovery date and time, location description, DFO PFMA and sub-area location, GPS location, and type of fishery (FSC or commercial). Arrangements were made with individual fishermen to return acoustic tags for redeployment. 2.7 Data Analysis Overview Specific statistical tests for each dataset are identified in the following sections. Discussed below is the general procedure for all statistical analysis conducted for this study. LGL Limited 7

20 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study METHODS Data exploration and statistical analyses (P < 0.05) were performed using Stata (StataCorp 2015, Version 14.2) and R (R Core Team 2016, Version 3.3.1). Unusual or influential outliers were identified from box plots, checked for transcription errors, and corrected if appropriate. Descriptive statistics were then calculated for the datasets, which included: sample size (n), standard mean, median, minimum and maximum, standard deviation (SD) of the mean, standard error (SE) of the mean, and 95% confidence limits (upper and lower). The general methodology for testing hypotheses concerning mean values was performed using parametric and non-parametric tests. Prior to all parametric statistical analysis, the assumption of normality was visually inspected with histograms and quantile-quantile plots. If appropriate, data were transformed (i.e., log or square root) using to meet test assumptions for normality. If data transformation did not meet the assumption of normality, then non-parametric statistical analysis was performed. After completion of the statistical analysis, linearity was visually confirmed with plots of observed versus predicted values and residuals versus predicted values. Verification of homogeneity of the variance was visually confirmed using the residuals by plotting residuals vs. fitted values. Normality of the residuals was visually confirmed using kernel density, standardized normal probability, and quintile-normal plots. The general methodology for testing hypotheses concerning proportions was performed using contingency table analysis. Testing for statistical differences in proportion datasets was performed using either Pearson chi-square or Fisher s exact test Catch-Per-Unit-Effort For each trap line, the total crab catch was summed. Total catch was then further sub-divided into each of the following categories: legal males ( 165 mm), sub-legal males (<165 mm), hard-shell legal males, soft-shell legal males, and females. Soak time (h) was calculated as the time between setting and pulling each trap line. Catch-per-unit-effort is an index of relative abundance that can be used to compare population size between zones and/or among different sampling periods. Since the majority of trap lines had soak times within 24 h, CPUE was calculated as the number of crabs captured per trap line per 24 h for each category (Equation 1). Crab catch from standard trap lines, composed of five traps, was used for CPUE analysis. Research by Smith and Jamieson (1989b) suggested that the size frequency distributions of Dungeness Crabs are stable for 24 to 48 h trap line soaks, so trap line soaks up to 48 h were used in the analysis. Where high wind weather warnings prolonged the soak duration, soak times greater 48 h were excluded from the analysis. CPUE = number of crabs caught per trap line * [24 (h) / soak time (h)] (1) For statistical modelling, given that the dependent variables were counts, they were expected to be negative binomially distributed and this was confirmed visually. Some initial model runs were performed to compare fits between negative binomial and Poisson distributions, and the former appeared to be the better match (P < 0.001). As such, crab catch of females, legal males, sub-legal males, hard-shell legal males, and soft-shell legal males between zone were modelled using negative binomial generalized linear models, with set duration (h) used as an offset. Catch-per-unit-effort data was plotted to investigate variables that could affect differences in CPUE between zones. Initially, saturated models (models containing all factors of interest and all possible interaction terms) were constructed, included zone, depth (m), and days (d) as factors. Since there was unbalanced replication across zone and depth categories, a quasi-continuous variable called depth was created using 1) the value of 7.5 m for all sets in the 5 10 m category; 2) the value of 15 m for all sets in LGL Limited 8

21 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study METHODS the m category; and 3) the value of 62.5 m for all sets in the m category. To examine temporal effects, set dates were transformed into a continuous variable called days, calculated as the number of days since the study commenced. Then each model was simplified in a step-wise manner, first removing higher-order interactions, then the first-order interactions, and then simple main effects in reverse order of significance. At each step, the reduced model was compared to the previous (fuller) model using likelihood ratio tests. Where likelihood ratio tests had P < 0.05, the factor (or interaction term) in question was considered significant, and was not removed from the model. Wherever interaction terms were significant, no attempts were made to remove the associated simple main effects. Catch-per-unit-effort estimates and the 95% confidence intervals were calculated based on profile likelihood methods. In the calculation of catch estimates between zones, allowances were made for differences in set depth, set duration, and set day. As such, CPUE zone estimates were calculated within the context of a standardized set depth, standardized set duration, and a standardized point in the study. The same procedure was repeated to examine effects of set location. For location models, no depth terms were included in the analyses, since there was no variance in depth within each set location. Where set location effects were significant, post-hoc Tukey s tests were performed, comparing all possible pairs of locations, to determine whether catch rates inside the ITP or Terminal 2 footprints differed significantly from other set locations Biological Carapace width frequency distributions were constructed to visualize the size distribution of all crabs captured in the study. The guidelines for selection of 5 mm carapace width intervals were adapted from Smith and Jamieson (1989b) and Taggart et al. (2004). Statistical analysis of biological data involved the following tests: Significant differences in mean carapace width for each sex and male size class (legal and sub-legal) between zones were analyzed by a non-parametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Significant differences in the catch proportion of male to females, legal males to sub-legal males, hard shell males to soft shell males between zones were analyzed by a Fisher's exact test Movement Rate and Direction Male crab movement rate (m/d), distance (m), and movement direction ( ) data analysis was conducted for both anchor and acoustically tagged crabs. Movement rate and distance are considered measures of general displacement because we do not know the movement of tagged crabs between observation events Anchor Tag For anchor tagged male crabs, the movement rate, total movement distance, and movement direction was calculated between the first (tagged date and location) and last (tag recovery date and location) observation using ArcGIS (Environmental Systems Research Institute 2012, Version 10.1). Mean movement rate observations were used to statistically determine if rate of movement differed between size class and zones. To examine temporal effects, movement dates were transformed into a continuous variable called days. Days was calculated for each movement by subtracting the study start date from the date of the observed movement in question. LGL Limited 9

22 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study METHODS Movement rate analysis was performed using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with the log-transformed movement rate as the dependent variable. The ANCOVA is relatively robust to minor violations of the normality assumptions when sample sizes are good. The ANCOVA model included zone (categorical factor) and days (covariate) and as explanatory variables, along with their interaction. Where the ANCOVA model terms had a P > 0.05, they were removed such that the final estimates could be derived from the simplest model. For each male crab, the movement direction was categorized into eight cardinal direction intervals at 45 angles. The categories were: 0 45, 46 90, , , , , , and General trends in movement direction and distance, and frequency in movement direction were visually interpreted from compass and polar histogram plots Acoustic Tag For acoustically tagged legal male crabs, the rate of movement, total movement distance, and travel direction was calculated between the first (tagged date and location) and last (tag recovery date and location) observation, and well as between each relocation observation for an individual crab. All individual movement rate observations were used to statistically determine if rate of movement differed between zones. Prior to statistical analysis, movement rate data was plotted to investigate variables that could affect differences in movement rate between zones. To examine temporal effects, movement dates were transformed into a continuous variable called days. Days was calculated for each movement by subtracting the study start date from the date of the observed movement in question. Movement rate analysis was performed using an ANCOVA with the log-transformed movement rate as the dependent variable. The ANCOVA model included zone (categorical factor) and days (covariate) and as explanatory variables, along with their interaction. The numbers of movements observed varied among individuals, thus individual data points were weighted by the inverse of the individual-specific sample size. Where the ANCOVA model terms had a P > 0.05, they were removed such that the final estimates could be derived from the simplest model. The movement direction, between first and last observation, for acoustically tagged male crabs was categorized into the same eight cardinal direction intervals as conducted for anchored tagged crabs. General trends in movement direction and distance, and frequency in movement direction were visually interpreted from compass and polar histogram plots. Statistically analysis of movement direction data involved the following tests: To test for differences in movement direction for the male population as a whole within the study area, a Pearson chi-square test was conducted. Due to sample size and independent observation constraints of the chi-square test, first and last observation data was used, and movement direction was categorized and grouped into four cardinal direction intervals (0 90, , , and ). The chi-square test assumed an expected 1:1:1:1 ratio to test for differences between frequencies. Significant differences in male movement direction between zones were analyzed using Fisher s Freeman-Halton exact test due to low (n < 5) frequencies in certain four cardinal direction intervals. Significant differences in the frequency of males that were observed at least once outside of their initial release zone were analyzed using a Fisher's exact test. LGL Limited 10

23 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study METHODS Harvest and Time-at-Large Male time-at-large (d) data analysis was conducted for both anchor and acoustically tagged crabs. For anchor tagged males, time-at-large was defined as the time elapsed between tagging date and recovery date. Time-at-large for acoustically tagged males was defined as 1) the time elapsed between tagging date and recovery date if the male was harvested; or 2) the time elapsed between the tagging date and the assumed harvest date. Assumed harvest date was determined based upon the date in which an acoustic tracking event was conducted and the tagged male was not observed from the previous tracking event. Acoustically tagged males that were observed during the last tracking event (November 1, 2016) were excluded from the analysis. Mean time-at-large observations, for both anchor and acoustically legal male crabs, were used to statistically determine if rate of movement differed between zones. To examine temporal effects, tag dates were transformed into a continuous variable called days. Days was calculated for each time-at-large observation by subtracting the study start date from the date of the observed movement in question. Time-at-large analysis was performed using an ANCOVA with the log-transformed time-at-large as the dependent variable. The ANCOVA model included zone (categorical factor) and days (covariate) and as explanatory variables, along with their interaction. Where the ANCOVA model terms had a P > 0.05, they were removed such that the final estimates could be derived from the simplest model. Harvest rate was then calculated for acoustically tagged males only, as the number of crabs removed from the study area by either 1) reported confirmed harvest by a fisherman; or 2) assumed harvest when not present in the study after being observed during a previous tracking event. 2.8 FSC Fishermen Interviews To assess the current fishing area preferences of FSC crab fishermen, interviews with volunteer FSC crab fishermen were conducted on November 21, FSC fishermen were provided a standardized questionnaire regarding preferred DFO PFMA sub-area locations, preferred fishing locations within and surrounding the existing and proposed NCA, preferred fishing locations within and surrounding the proposed Terminal 2 expansion infrastructure, and harvest percentages within preferred areas. Other pertinent information and observations from FSC crab fishermen regarding preferred fishing locations, seasonal movements, habitat quality, and abundance was obtained through informal discussions recorded and highlighted on study area maps. 2.9 Depth Stratum The area (ha), by depth stratum, was calculated for the current and proposed expanded NCA, and the Terminal 2 and ITP footprints. In addition, the areas of optimal and accessible FSC fisherman fishing depths were calculated within the current and proposed expanded NCA, and within Terminal 2 and ITP footprints. Analysis of area by depth stratum was conducted using ArcGIS (Environmental Systems Research Institute 2012, Version 10.1). The depth stratum intervals selected for analysis were based upon the resolution of existing bathymetry data; as such, the selected depth stratum intervals were: 0 2, 2 5, 5 10, 10 20, 20 30, 30 50, and m Commercial Harvest To assess the current areas of effort and harvest for the commercial crab fishery, 2015 data were obtained for DFO PFMA 29 and sub-area locations. Commercial crab fishery effort (i.e., vessel number and trap-days) and harvest (kg and pieces) were calculated for each sub-area and visually interpreted. LGL Limited 11

24 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study RESULTS The term Trap-days was defined as number hours soaked per 24 h multiplied by the number of traps pulled Quality Assurance/ Quality Control The trapping, catch, biological, tag recovery, and tracking datasets underwent quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) during both data collection and data analysis phases. During field sampling, the data was directly entered into an ipad (in a waterproof box) with a Bluetooth wireless GPS to reduce transcription errors. At the end of each field day, all data were reviewed for accuracy and completeness. In the office, all datasets were examined again for data entry errors. Visual inspection of box-plots depicting the distribution of CPUE and biological data was used for outlier detection. Identified outliers were reviewed for transcription errors and subsequently edited. Measurement errors from the source dataset were subsequently omitted from further analysis. If identified outliers represented genuine variation they were retained in the analysis. 3 Results All raw data from this study is presented in tabular format in a supplementary report, titled Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study in the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project Area: Appendices (Burns et al. 2017). 3.1 Catch-Per-Unit-Effort Summary statistics for CPUE by zone and set location are presented in Table 1 and Table CPUE Legal Male Crab Legal male CPUE was significantly higher inside than outside the current NCA (Table 3; Figure 2). Legal male CPUE was not significantly affected by depth or days, and no interaction terms were significant (Table 3 and Table 4; Figure 3). Similarly, there was a statistically significant effect of set location (Table 4; Figure 2) though post-hoc tests showed that the CPUE in the ITP footprint did not differ significantly from other sets inside the current NCA, and those in the Terminal 2 footprint did not differ significantly from other sets outside the current NCA CPUE Soft-Shell Legal Male Crab Soft-shell legal male CPUE was significantly higher inside than outside the current NCA (Table 3; Figure 4). Soft-shell legal male CPUE was not significantly affected by set depth, and no interaction terms were significant (Table 3 and Table 4; Figure 5). Both models showed a statistically significant effect of days, with CPUE increasing gradually over the duration of the study (Table 3 and Table 4; Figure 5). For the location model, there was a statistically significant effect of set location (Table 4; Figure 4) though post-hoc tests showed that the CPUE in the ITP footprint did not differ significantly from other sets inside the current NCA, and those in the Terminal 2 footprint did not differ significantly from other sets outside the current NCA CPUE Hard-Shell Legal Male Crab Hard-shell legal male CPUE was significantly higher inside than outside the current NCA (Table 3; Figure 6). No interaction terms were statistically significant, but all of the other simple main effects (days and depth) were significant (Table 3 and Table 4). Shallow water sets had significantly higher CPUE than sets made in deep water, and CPUE declined significantly over the duration of the study (Figure 7). For the location model, there was a statistically significant effect of set location (Table 4; Figure 6), showing that CPUE in Terminal 2 footprint was significantly higher than other sets outside the current LGL Limited 12

25 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study RESULTS NCA. By contrast, CPUE in the ITP footprint did not differ significantly from other sets inside the current NCA CPUE Sub-Legal Male Crab Sub-legal male CPUE was significantly higher inside than outside the current NCA (Table 3; Figure 8). There was a statistically significant interaction between days and depth for sub-legal male CPUE (Table 3 and Table 4; Figure 9). The location model showed a significant interaction between days and set location (Table 4; Figure 8). Post-hoc tests showed that the sub-legal male CPUE in the ITP footprint was significantly higher than other sets inside the current NCA, and CPUE in the Terminal 2 footprint was significantly higher than other sets outside the current NCA CPUE Females Females CPUE was not significantly different between zone or set location (Table 3 and Table 4; Figure 10). Female CPUE was not significantly affected by set depth and no interaction terms were significant (Table 3 and Table 4; Figure 11). However, both model runs concluded that female CPUE varied significantly with days, showing a gradual increase in CPUE over the duration of the study (Table 3 and Table 4; Figure 11). 3.2 Biological Carapace Width (Size) Carapace width descriptive statistics are summarized in Table 5 and Table 6. Males inside the current NCA were significantly larger than outside the current NCA (Figure 12; Wilcoxon: Z = 9.07, P < 0.001). When males were analyzed by size class, legal males were significantly larger inside the current NCA (Figure 13; Wilcoxon: Z = 2.36, P = 0.02), but sub-legal males were significantly larger outside the current NCA (Figure 13; Wilcoxon: Z = 2.31, P = 0.02). Visual interpretation of the male size frequency distribution (Figure 14) shows that males inside the current NCA have a greater range of size classes and higher frequency of size classes larger than 165 mm (i.e., legal width) compared to males outside the current NCA. In addition, the dominant mode of males ( mm) inside the current NCA was larger than the dominant mode outside the current NCA ( mm). Statistical analysis for female carapace width shows that females were significantly larger inside than outside the current NCA (Figure 12; Wilcoxon: Z = 2.07, P = 0.04). Visual interpretation of the female size relative frequency distribution shows that females inside the current NCA had a similar frequency distribution compared to females outside the current NCA (Figure 15) Sex, Size Class and Shell Hardness Sex, size class, and shell hardness ratios are summarized in Table 7. The proportion of males to females inside the current NCA was significantly greater than outside the current NCA (Fisher s Exact: P < 0.001). The proportion of legal to sub-legal males inside the current NCA was significantly greater than outside the current NCA (Fisher s Exact: P < 0.001). The proportion of hard-shell to soft-shell males inside the current NCA was significantly greater than outside the current NCA (Fisher s Exact: P < 0.001). In addition, when shell hardness was analyzed by size class there was a greater proportion of legal size hard-shell males inside the current NCA (Fisher s Exact: P = 0.04). LGL Limited 13

26 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study RESULTS 3.3 Movement Rate and Direction Anchor Tag Movement rate and distance was calculated for anchor tagged males between first and last observations. Descriptive statistics for movement rate and distance travelled descriptive statistics are summarized in Table 8 and Table 9, respectively. Total distance travelled was highly variable and ranged from 113 to 4,896 m; however, distance values do not account for time elapsed between observations. Mean movement rate between legal (mean = m/d; 95% CL = 73.5, 174.3) and sub-legal males (mean = m/d; 95% CL = 70.5, 272.1) were not significantly different (ANCOVA: F = 0.24; df = 1, 64; P = 0.63). The analysis results showed no significant effects for days (ANCOVA: F = 1.38; df = 1, 64; P = 0.25) or the interaction between days and zone (ANCOVA: F = 0.80, df = 1, 64; P = 0.38). Mean movement rate of legal males between inside (mean = m/d; 95% CL = 84.0, 204.8) and outside (mean = m/d; 95% CL = 53.2, 179.0) the current NCA was not significantly different (ANCOVA: F = 0.18; df = 1, 49; P = 0.68). The analysis results showed no significant effects for days (ANCOVA: F = 0.37; df = 1, 49; P = 0.55) or the interaction between days and zone (ANCOVA: F = 0.27, df = 1, 49; P = 0.61). Movement direction for the anchor tagged male population, as a whole in the study area, was visually interpreted from compass and polar histogram plots. Interpretation of the compass plot indicates that the movement direction for longer distances was generally in a northwest and southeast direction, but the movement direction for shorter distances were clustered towards the northeast (Figure 16, top panel). Furthermore, movement distance was highly variable with a range of 113 to 4,896 m. Interpretation of the polar histogram plots is in agreement with the compass plot (Figure 16, bottom panel) in that that the majority of movement direction was towards the northeast (i.e., the shorter distances movements previously mentioned). Movement direction for the anchor tagged males by zone was visually interpreted from compass and polar histogram plots. Interpretation of compass plots, by zone, indicates similar movement direction patterns and variable movement distances as previously discussed (Figure 17, top panel). The polar histogram plots (Figure 17) indicate that males originally tagged outside the current NCA moved towards the northeast and southeast, while males originally tagged inside the current NCA were more variable but tended to move towards the northwest and southeast. The spatial distribution of anchor tag recoveries shows that the majority of males were recovered outside the current NCA by the commercial fishery. Tag recoveries were concentrated immediately outside the current NCA border and within the Terminal 2 footprint (Figure 18). Of the tags recovered outside the current NCA, the majority were initially tagged inside the current NCA (Figure 18; Table 10). Males tagged in the ITP footprint were also caught outside of the current NCA Acoustic Tag A total of 111 individually coded acoustic tags were deployed throughout the duration of the study. Of the 111 tagged crabs, 93 were legal males and 18 females (Table 11). The mean width of tagged males was mm (range = mm) and mm (range = mm) for females (Table 12). The majority of crabs were tagged inside the NCA line and ITP footprint locations (Figure 19). Fewer crabs were tagged outside the NCA line and Terminal 2 footprint because of the lower abundance of legal sized, hard-shelled males suitable for tag attachment. Mobile acoustic tracking occurred during the autumn season. The tracking period encompassed a period of 61 days, in which 14 tracking events were conducted (Table 13). A total of 194 individual male crab LGL Limited 14

27 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study RESULTS observations were obtained with a mean of 3.2 observations per crab (95% CL = 2.9, 3.5) and a range of 1 to 8 observations per crab. The range of crab observation water depths (m) was highly variable (Table 14). Males tagged in the shallow locations (i.e., ITP and Terminal 2 footprints) had a shallower mean depth (mean = 34.9 m; 95% CL = 29.8, 39.9) than crabs tagged in deep locations (i.e., Inside NCA and Outside NCA Lines; mean = 53.3 m; 95% CL = 48.8, 57.9). Movement rate and distance was calculated for acoustically tagged males between first and last observations. Movement rate and distance travelled descriptive statistics are summarized from Table 15 to Table 18. Total distance travelled was highly variable and ranged from 162 to 5,298 m because distance does not account for time elapsed between observations. Movement rate was analysed to determine differences between zones. Movement rate was significantly faster outside the current NCA (mean = m/d) than inside the current NCA (mean = m/d; ANCOVA: F = 15.90; df = 1, 198; P < 0.001; Figure 20). The analysis results showed no significant effects for days (ANCOVA: F = 1.40; df = 1, 198; P = 0.24) or the interaction between days and zone (ANCOVA: F = 1.20, df = 1, 198; P = 0.26). First and last acoustic observations were used for the analysis of general movement direction. Movement direction for the acoustically tagged male crab population as a whole in the study area was not evenly distributed. Movement direction significantly differed from an even distribution towards the four cardinal directions (chi-square: X 2 = 16.46, df = 3, P < 0.001). Movement distance of individual crabs was highly variable (162 m 5,298 m) and interpretation of the compass plot indicates that the movement direction for longer distances was generally in a northwest and southeast direction, but the movement direction for shorter distances were clustered towards the southwest (Figure 21, top panel). Interpretation of the polar histogram plots is in agreement with the compass plot in that that the majority of movement direction was towards the southwest, as well as high frequencies towards the northwest and southeast (Figure 21, bottom panel). Movement direction for the acoustically tagged males by zone was analyzed statistically and visually interpreted from compass and polar histogram plots. The movement direction was not significantly different between crabs tagged inside or outside the current NCA (Fisher s Exact: P = 0.77). Interpretation of compass plots, by zone, indicates similar movement direction patterns and variable movement distances as previously discussed (Figure 22). The polar histogram plots indicate that males originally tagged inside and outside the current NCA moved towards the southwest (Figure 22). Individual males showed a range of movement patterns. Figure 23 shows four example movement directions observed for acoustically tagged males. Of the males initially tagged outside the current NCA, 38% moved inside the current NCA at least once (Table 19). Of the males initially tagged inside the current NCA, 54% moved outside the current NCA at least once. However, the proportion of movement direction was not significantly different between males tagged inside or outside the current NCA (Fisher s Exact: P = 0.36). Additional mobile tracking events were conducted during the week of January 23, 2017, to locate females. Seven females were relocated, of which two were present in the Terminal 2 footprint in a water depth of 16 m (Figure 24). The remaining five females were relocated approximately 400 m southwest of the Terminal 2 footprint in m water depths. 3.4 Harvest and Time-at-Large Time-at large represents the time until survival either known or assumed harvest from the tagging date. Time-at large descriptive statistics are summarized in Table 20 and Table 21. The mean time-at-large LGL Limited 15

28 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study RESULTS was 22.8 d (95% CL = 17.8, 27.9) for acoustically tagged males, and 20.0 d (95% CL = 14.6, 25.3) for anchor tagged males. Mean time-at-large was not statistically different between anchor tagged males within and outside the current NCA (ANCOVA: F = 0.70; df = 1, 49; P = 0.79). The analysis results showed no significant effects for days (ANCOVA: F = 1.47; df = 1, 49; P = 0.23) or the interaction between days and zone (ANCOVA: F = 0.18, df = 1, 49; P = 0.67). Similarly, mean time-at-large was not statistically different between acoustically tagged males within and outside the current NCA (ANCOVA: F = 1.75; df = 1, 77; P = 0.19). The analysis results showed a significant decrease in time-at-large over duration of the study (ANCOVA: F = 8.85; df = 1, 77; P = 0.02); however, the interaction between days and zone was not significant (ANCOVA: F = 2.07, df = 1, 77; P = 0.16). Calculation of the harvest rate, by anchor tag returns, was not calculated due to low commercial fishery participation. A total of 2,188 crabs were tagged throughout the duration of the study, of which 57% were legal males (Table 22). A total of 122 tags were recovered, of which 68% were reported by the commercial fishery and 13% by the FSC fishery. The resulting recovery rate was low at 5.6%. Harvest rate was calculated using acoustic tracking data since it was independent of commercial or FSC fishery participation. Using the assumed harvest date approach discussed in Section 2.7.5, the harvest rate was determined to be 85% (Table 23). 3.5 FSC Fishermen Interviews A total of ten fishermen participated in the FSC interview process from a total of 19 known FSC fishermen. All fishermen crabbed in 2016 for either FSC or commercial purposes (Table 24). Fishermen crabbed throughout the five PFMA sub-areas. Sub-area 29-7 is the preferred area for crab fishing in the study area, while sub-areas 29-6 and 29-8 were ranked as second as a highly-preferred crab fishing area (Table 24). The current NCA (within sub-areas 29-6 and 29-7) is highly used for crab fishing as 90% of the fishermen reported to fish for crab within the current NCA. The majority of fishermen harvested 25% of their total catch within the current NCA, with certain fishermen harvesting up to 75% of their total catch within the current NCA. The Terminal 2 footprint is highly used for crab fishing as 100% of the fishermen reported to fish for crab within the area. The majority of fishermen harvested 25% of their total catch within the Terminal 2 footprint, with certain fishermen harvesting up to 75% of their total catch within the Terminal 2 footprint. The ITP footprint is also used for crab fishing as 60% of the fishermen reported to fish for crab within the area. Fishermen reported harvesting between 50 to 75% of their total catch within the ITP footprint. The proposed expanded NCA is highly used for crab fishing as 80% of the fishermen reported to fish for crab within the proposed expanded NCA. The majority of fishermen harvested 25% of their total catch within the proposed expanded NCA, with certain fishermen harvesting up to 75% of their total catch within this area. In addition, fishermen crab 50% of their time outside the current NCA. Factors that determined if fishermen fished inside or outside the current NCA included: weather, tides, number of floats, time of year, boat traffic, competition with other fishermen, soft/hard shell periods, and abundance of crabs. When asked if the expansion of the current NCA and Terminal 2 would affect their ability to access preferred crab harvest areas, the majority (90%) of the fishermen stated it would negatively affect them. There was a general consensus that the Terminal 2 development would impact existing high quality crab habitat and population abundance. The Terminal 2 development would increase traffic and traps would be displaced to other lower quality areas. However, one individual stated that the Terminal 2 LGL Limited 16

29 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study RESULTS development would not impact their ability to access preferred crab harvest areas, as they can deal with the increased traffic. The majority (90%) of the FSC fishermen stated that the proposed expanded NCA would not necessarily benefit them due to the configuration of the expanded NCA. The majority of fishermen set traps along the Roberts Bank shelf in PFMA sub-areas 29-6, 29-7, and 29-9 (Figure 25). The optimal crab fishing depths are 2 20 m for 90% of the FSC fishermen (Figure 26), and the majority of FSC fishermen do not have the hydraulic equipment to crab deep water depths (>50 m; Table 25). Of the proposed expanded NCA, 17% is within the optimal crab fishing depths (2 20 m; Table 25) while 43% is in deep water habitat (>50 m) that cannot be fished by most FSC fishermen, and 30% is too shallow to be fished. Therefore, a total of 73% of the proposed expanded NCA is either too deep or too shallow for FSC crab fishing. Within the Terminal 2 and ITP footprints, the optimal crab fishing depths (2 20 m) percentages by area are 60% and 100%, respectively (Table 25). Therefore, a large proportion of habitat that will be covered or destroyed by the project footprint or ITP is in the optimal FSC crab fishing depths, and will be lost to crab fishing due to project development. None of the habitat in the project footprint or ITP areas is deeper than 50 m or shallower than 2 m (Table 25). All fishermen stated that silt has increased along the northern edge of the causeway and Deltaport, creating lower quality habitat that is not used for crab fishing (Figure 25). Therefore, the proposed expanded NCA along the northern edge of Deltaport and causeway may not benefit the FSC crab fishery due to the potential for further silt deposition and lack of optimal crab fishing depth. When asked if the current NCA has a function for crab in their area other than excluding commercial fishermen, the majority (70%) of the fishermen stated it has a beneficial function. The beneficial functions identified included: the NCA is a refuge from commercial fishing pressure and therefore likely acts as a source of recruitment for Dungeness Crab to the whole Roberts Bank area; the NCA is a refuge for crabs that move from south to north around Deltaport; and the NCA is located within a prime ecosystem for crab growth and well-being. 3.6 Commercial Harvest The 2015 commercial fishery effort (no. vessels and trap-days) and harvest (kg and pieces) data was visually interpreted. Of the commercial licenses participating in the 2015 PFMA 29 commercial fishery, Tsawwassen First Nation owns three commercial crab licenses. The study area is located within DFO PFMA sub-areas 29-6, 29-7, and The Terminal 2 footprint straddles both sub-areas 29-6 and DFO sub-area 29-6 has one of the highest (top two or three) vessel and trap-day effort within area 29 (Figure 27). While sub-area 29-7 has one of the lowest (bottom three) and sub-area 29-9 has the median vessel and trap-day effort within area 29. Reported harvest landings of biomass and pieces, show a similar trend as identified for vessel and trap-day effort in sub-areas 29-6, 29-7, and 29-9 (Figure 28). Sub-area 29-6 accounts for 18% of the total harvest from area 29 and 66% of the study area harvest. Sub-area 29-7 accounts for 4% of the total harvest from area 29 and 15% of the study area harvest. LGL Limited 17

30 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study DISCUSSION 4 Discussion 4.1 Importance to the FSC and Commercial Fishery The current NCA and Terminal 2 footprint area is of high importance to the FSC fishery 1 as indicated by the fishermen interviews. The FSC fishermen crab along the Roberts Bank shelf (sub-areas 29-7 and 29-6) within and outside the current NCA, and within the Terminal 2 and ITP footprints. The utilization of these areas by TFN fishermen typically exceeds 90% and these areas account for 25 to 75% of fishermen s total harvest depending upon the fishermen. The preferences for these areas changes throughout the season and FSC fishermen, but generally, the fishing area outside the current NCA and Terminal 2 footprint are preferred earlier in the season. As the season progresses and legal males are depleted during the commercial fishery, some FSC fishermen relocate inside the current NCA and other DFO sub-areas (e.g., 29-8). Therefore, the current NCA and Terminal footprint play a significant role in seasonal use and harvest by FSC fishermen. The Terminal 2 footprint and proposed expanded NCA will negatively impact the ability for FSC fishermen to access preferred harvest areas. There was a general consensus that the Terminal 2 development would have a negative impact on FSC harvest, and the development would result in a loss of high quality crab habitat due to 1) increased boat traffic that will cause a displacement of traps to lower quality areas; 2) the fact that the majority of the proposed expanded NCA is in very shallow (<2 m) or deep water habitat (>50 m) that cannot be fished due to gear limitations; and 3) the proposed expanded NCA along the northern edge of Deltaport and the causeway is low quality crab habitat due to silt deposition. Therefore, the Terminal 2 footprint and expanded NCA will impact FSC fishermen harvest, and the expanded NCA as proposed will not sufficiently offset for the impact. With respect to the commercial fishery, sub-area 29-6 has a moderate relative importance compared to other sub-areas in PFMA 29. The 2015 commercial fishery data shows that sub-area 29-6 has one of the highest commercial fishing efforts and harvest within area 29 and the study and accounts for 18% of the total harvest from area 29 and 66% of the study area harvest (estimates derived from 2015 commercial harvest from sub-areas 29-6, 29-7, and 29-9). Sub-area 29-7 accounts for 4% of the total harvest from area 29 and 15% of the study area harvest. A comparison of the 2015 commercial fishery data to historical data indicates similar patterns of effort and harvest. Commercial harvest data between 2003 and 2013 shows that sub-area 29-6 accounted for 36% of PFMA 29 harvest and 86% of the study area harvest (Table 26; Hemmera 2014c). Trends in harvest and effort show that after 2007, harvest began to decline in sub-area 29-6 due to implementation of the current NCA in 2009 (Area I Crab Fisherman Association 2016). Despite this decline, sub-area 29-6 has a relatively high importance compared to other sub-areas in PFMA 29. Given this information, the proposed expanded NCA may result in a decline in commercial harvest in sub-area 29-6 due to loss of crab fishing area, similar to that previously observed after implementation of the current NCA in 2007 (Area I Crab Fisherman Association 2016). The commercial fishery harvest is significantly greater than the FSC fishery harvest in PFMA 29. From 2009 to 2015, the mean FSC fishery harvest was 33,066 pieces (harvest biomass is not reported) throughout PFMA 29 (Blakley et al. 2016). FSC fishery harvest by sub-areas is not reported; therefore, 1 All references to FSC fishery in this section are related to TFN FSC fishery, however, it is noted that other First Nations have substantial FSC harvests of crab from these areas. LGL Limited 18

31 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study DISCUSSION the exact percentage of FSC harvest within the study area or inside the current NCA is not known. However, results from the FSC fishermen interviews demonstrate that current NCA and Terminal 2 footprint area is of high importance to FSC fishery harvest. For the commercial fishery, the 2015 harvest was 806,056 pieces or 589,206 kg throughout the PFMA 29. Of the total commercial fishery harvest in 2015, 180,375 pieces and 131,578 kg were harvested within the study area. Therefore, the commercial fishery harvest is approximately 24 times greater than the TFN FSC fishery harvest in PFMA 29, and approximately 7 times greater than the TFN FSC fishery harvest in the study area. 4.2 Movement Inside and Outside the Current NCA For the duration of the study there was continuous movement of males across the current NCA border. Acoustic tracking results show that 38% of the males initially tagged outside the current NCA moved inside the current NCA, and 54% of the males initially tagged inside the current NCA moved outside the current NCA. While the percentage of males that moved from inside the current NCA to outside the current NCA is higher, the percentage of movement across the border was not statistically different. The acoustic tracking results were in agreement with the anchor tagging results, in which males tagged outside the current NCA were caught by the FSC fishery inside the current NCA, and males tagged inside the current NCA were caught by the commercial and FSC fishery outside the current NCA. Based on the results of the acoustically tagging, male legal crabs mainly moved southwest towards deeper water and along the drop-off in northwestern and southeastern directions. The acoustically tagged male movement direction was not different depending upon the zone where the males were tagged. While males made individual movements into and out of the current NCA, the overall trend in movement was southwest towards deeper water. These results are in agreement with other research in British Columbia and Alaska, where the research showed that males retreated to greater depths during autumn and winter (Smith and Jamieson 1991; Stone and O Clair 2001; Rasmusen 2013). Observations by FSC fishermen suggested that male movement was along the Roberts Bank shelf. While a number of individual males moved in a northwest and southeast direction along the shelf, as observed by FSC fishermen, it is possible that crabs which moved to deeper water could then move along the shelf in deep water beyond the acoustic tracking study duration. The anchor tag movement direction results were not in agreement with the acoustic tracking results. Of the anchor tags recovered outside the current NCA, the majority were tagged inside the current NCA border. Anchor tag results showed a higher frequency of movement towards the northeast, not southwest as reported for the acoustic tracking results. However, the anchor tag movement direction results are confounded due to fishery effects because movement direction is dependent upon the locations where crab fishing occurs and males are subsequently recaptured. For example, the majority of males were tagged within the current NCA border and commercial fishery effort was concentrated immediately northeast of the current NCA within the Terminal 2 footprint for the duration of the study. As a result, it is expected that anchor tag recoveries would be concentrated to the northeast, immediately outside the current NCA border and within the Terminal 2 footprint. In comparison, the acoustic tracking provides fishery independent results with respect to the movement direction of males because tag detection locations do not depend upon the location of fishery effort Males showed a large range of movement rates within and outside the current NCA. Some of the males remained local near the tagging location while others travelled longer distances towards Point Roberts and Canoe Pass. Point Roberts and Canoe Pass are approximately 6.7 km southeast and 5.2 km northeast, respectively from the nearest tagging location. It has been demonstrated that males inhabiting bays appear to have more restricted and localized movements than males which occupy coastal areas (Smith and Jamieson 1991; Stone and O Clair 2001). Since the Roberts Bank study area is a LGL Limited 19

32 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study DISCUSSION non-restricted coastal area, the large range of movement rates observed in this study are expected. For example, mean movement rate was 167 m/d and ranged between 2.8 to 2,338 m/d from the acoustic tracking data. The anchor tagging data is in agreement (mean movement rate was 182 m/d and ranged between 4.9 to 816 m/d) with the large range of movement rates observed in the acoustic tagging data. In other coastal areas of British Columbia, reported mean movement rates of males was 300 m/d based anchor tagging conducted during the same time period (Smith and Jamieson 1991). However, the magnitude of male movement rates and distances may depend on local bathymetry, the spatial distribution of habitat, currents, competition, and predation (Stone and O Clair 2001). Therefore, it is difficult to compare this study s movement rate results with other studies. Male movement rates differed between males tagged within and outside the current NCA. For acoustically tagged males, movement rate was significantly faster for males who were tagged outside the current NCA than inside the current NCA. However, statistical differences in movement rate between zones were not detected for anchor tagged males. The reason for the difference between tag types is not clear; however, it is possible that there was no difference in movement rate between zones because the areas are not spatially segregated, as acoustic tracking results show that 38 to 54% of males moved into and out of the current NCA during the study. It is also possible that there was no difference in movement rate between zones because local bathymetry, the spatial distribution of habitat, currents, competition, and predation are likely similar between the zones given their close proximity to each other. The high harvest rate of acoustically tagged males was in agreement with reported rates for commercial fishing in PFMA 29. The calculation of male harvest rate with anchor tags requires a high level of participation from FSC and commercial fishery in reporting tag recoveries. However, harvest rate could not be calculated from the anchor tag recoveries because of low fishery participation in the study. Instead, harvest rate was calculated using the acoustic tracking data since it was independent of commercial or FSC fishery participation. Calculation of harvest rate from acoustic tracking data assumed 100% efficiency in detecting tags during tracking events, and that tagged males did not move outside the study area. The assumption that tagged males did not move outside the study area is reasonable because of the size of the study area (101 km 2 ), repeated tracking events throughout the study period, and because tag recovery locations were not reported outside of the study area. Using the assumed harvest date approach, the harvest rate was determined to be 85%. Given that this study was carried out later in the fishing season when catch and effort typically decrease, the 85% harvest rate appears to be well aligned with the 90% harvest rate reported by (Zhang et al. 2002) for PFMA 29 for the whole season. The current NCA only provides temporary refuge from the commercial fishery. Time-at-large is a measure of exploitation rate and is typically calculated from fishery opening date to harvest date (Smith and Jamieson 1989a). Time-at-large for this study refers to the survival time from tagged date to harvest date. The time-at large until harvest was approximately 21 days for both acoustically and anchor tagged males and was not statistically different between males tagged within or outside the current NCA. Even though the current NCA is subject to FSC fishery harvest, the commercial and FSC fishery harvest is significantly higher outside the current NCA. One potential reason for the similarity in time-at-large to harvest between zones is the continuous movement of males into and out of the current NCA. It is predicted that without the current NCA, time-at-large to harvest would be lower than with the current NCA. Therefore, the current NCA provides temporary refuge from the commercial fishery. Mature female crabs were located within the Terminal 2 footprint in January of It was assumed that all of the acoustically tagged females were sexually mature because they had carapace widths greater than 100 mm and tagged after the assumed mating period (Rasmusen 2013). This is because LGL Limited 20

33 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study DISCUSSION females are known to reach sexual maturity at 2 (California populations) to 3 (Alaska populations) years of age with a carapace width of approximately 100 mm, and mating occurs in between April to September in Puget Sound (Rasmusen 2013). Two female crabs were located within the Terminal 2 footprint in shallow depths of approximately m. Based upon the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 technical report: Habitat suitability modelling study (Hemmera 2014a), these locations were classified as moderate and high habitat suitability for gravid females. The observed depths are within an acceptable burrowing depth range, as aggregations of brooding females have been documented at depths of 16 m in other regions of the Pacific northwest (Rasmusen 2013). However, this study cannot confirm that these females were in fact gravid because none of the females had extruded eggs during tagging. Only one gravid female was captured at the beginning of the study, but was not tagged because the tag battery life would not have been sufficient for tracking to burrowing areas in January. In the fall, females begin extruding their eggs and fertilizing them with spermatophores stored from spring mating. It is possible that these females extruded their eggs after the tagging, but self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) observations of the tracked females were not conducted to confirm this. Previous gravid female studies by Hemmera (2014b) suggested the low number of gravid female crabs identified at Roberts Bank was unexpected, since the study area is dominated by sand sediments (verified by both direct SCUBA observations, remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) video review, and sediment grab analyses) which is appropriate for burying by gravid females. However, sampling bias was identified as a possible rationale for the lack of gravid females observed by Hemmera (PMV 2015). The area immediately southeast of the proposed Terminal 2 footprint was classified as deep water unsuitable gravid female habitat by the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 technical report: Habitat suitability modelling study (Hemmera 2014a). In this study, five female crabs were located in classified unsuitable gravid female habitat approximately 400 m southwest of the Terminal 2 footprint in m water depths. Research by other studies suggest the deeper habitats might provide conditions more favorable for brooding eggs, as greater depths provide stability in temperature and salinity, and are typically well oxygenated compared to shallower areas (Stone and O Clair 2002). However, this study cannot confirm that the tracked females were in fact gravid as explained above. In summary, the current NCA provides only temporary refuge from the commercial fishery. For the duration of the study there was continuous movement of males across the current NCA border, with a general trend for males to move toward deeper water. Male movement did not favour an attraction to a particular zone (e.g., moving from inside the current NCA to outside the current NCA). However, the tag recovery data shows that males which move from inside the current NCA to outside the NCA are quickly harvested by the commercial or FSC fishery. 4.3 Catch-Per-Unit-Effort and Biological Assessment Inside and Outside the Current NCA The CPUE of legal and hard-shell legal males was significantly greater inside than outside the current NCA. This was expected since hard-shell legal sized males are targeted by the commercial and FSC fishery, and commercial fishery harvest is significantly greater outside the current NCA than the FSC harvest inside the current NCA. In addition, the proportion of legal size hard-shell males to soft shell legal males and legal males to sub-legal males was greater inside the current NCA than outside the current NCA, which is an indication of greater harvest outside the current NCA. These results are consistent with research by Taggart et al. (2004) and Frid et al. (2016) in that the number of legal sized males significantly increased over time in areas closed to commercial fishing. In the Frid et al. (2016) study, the closed areas were also open to FSC harvest similar to the current NCA. From the perspective of the FSC fishery it would take approximately 2.8 times greater effort to catch the same number of legal males outside the current NCA than inside the current NCA (i.e., mean legal male CPUE inside the LGL Limited 21

34 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study DISCUSSION current NCA divided by mean legal male CPUE outside the current NCA) during the period of this study. Therefore, the current NCA provides a functional role in the protection of legal males and provides opportunities for FSC harvest throughout the fishery season. Likely based on the same commercial fishing pressure, the size of males was significantly greater inside than outside the current NCA. The commercial and FSC fishery selectively harvests males greater than the legal point-to-point carapace width of 165 mm. Since males are targeted by the commercial and FSC fishery, and commercial fishery harvest is significantly greater outside the current NCA then the FSC harvest inside the current NCA, the resulting carapace width was smaller outside the current NCA. The carapace width frequency histograms showed that males inside the current NCA had a greater range of sizes classes, higher frequency of size classes greater than 165 mm (i.e., legal carapace width), and larger dominant size class then males outside the current NCA. These results further indicate greater selective harvest pressure outside the current NCA. These results are consistent with research by Taggart et al. (2004) and Frid et al. (2016) in that the carapace width of males was larger in areas closed to commercial fishing. The CPUE of hard-shell and soft-shell legal males changed over the duration of the study. The CPUE of hard-shell legal males decreased over the duration of the study, which is expected as legal males are removed from the fishery. Conversely, the CPUE of soft-shell legal males increased over the course of the study. It is uncertain why soft-shell legal males would increase over time as molting typically occurs in the spring. These temporal changes could have been based on a number of factors, such as changes in behaviour (e.g., trap investigation) at different periods in the study. The Terminal 2 footprint location has a higher CPUE of hard-shell legal males compared to the deeper water set location outside the current NCA. The Terminal 2 footprint is located in shallow (up to 20 m) water depths and within the preferred depth range for adults (Curtis and McGaw 2008; Rasmusen 2013; Hemmera 2014a). Deeper set locations in this study (i.e., Outside NCA Line) were located in water depths of m, which are depths typically less preferred by adults. The influence of depth on the CPUE of crabs was demonstrated in this study and other studies (Frid et al. 2016) in that the CPUE of hard-shell legal males decreased as the water depth increased. Similarly, the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 technical report: Habitat suitability modelling study (Hemmera 2014a) showed that the Terminal 2 footprint is located in an area of high adult habitat suitability, while the Outside NCA Line set location is in an area of moderate suitability. As such, this study s results appear to be in agreement with the habitat suitability modelling, and high quality habitat will be permanently and/or temporarily lost due the Terminal 2 footprint. The CPUE of hard-shell legal males in the ITP footprint location was higher compared to the deeper water set location inside the current NCA. However, the difference between the set locations was not statistically significant. The ITP footprint was located in moderate (5 20 m) water depths and within the preferred depth range for adult crab (Curtis and McGaw 2008; Rasmusen 2013; Hemmera 2014a). The deeper set location (i.e., Inside NCA Line) was located in water depths of m, which are depths typically less preferred by adults. While there is a difference between the range of set depths, it is possible that the range of set depths was not large enough to detect a statistically significant difference within the current NCA. In summary, the current NCA provides a functional role in the protection of legal males and provides opportunities for FSC harvest throughout the fishery season. From the perspective of the FSC fishery it would take approximately 2.8 times greater effort to catch the same number of legal males outside than inside the current NCA during the period of this study. It is predicted that an expanded NCA would likely continue to provide the protection of legal males throughout the fishery season. LGL Limited 22

35 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study DISCUSSION 4.4 Evaluation of the Proposed Expanded NCA and Mitigation The VFPA assumed that the FSC fishery would benefit from the proposed expanded NCA because of the exclusion of the commercial harvesting from the proposed expanded NCA. Similar to the current NCA, the expanded NCA will only provide temporary refuge from the commercial fishery as males move inside and outside the current NCA. However, within the proposed expanded NCA, 43% of the habitat is located in deep water (>50 m) that FSC fishermen cannot fish due to gear limitations, and 30% is too shallow (<2 m) for fishing (Table 25). Therefore, a total of 73% of the proposed expanded NCA is either too deep or too shallow for FSC crab fishing. The gain in FSC crab fishing area from the expanded NCA comes at the expense of lost high quality habitat due the Terminal 2 and ITP footprints that are preferred crab fishing locations by FSC fishermen. Within the Terminal 2 and ITP footprints, the optimal FSC crab fishing depth (2 20 m) percentages by area are 60% and 100%, respectively (Table 25). Therefore, a large proportion of the Terminal 2 and ITP footprints are within the optimal crab fishing water depths and these areas will not be available for crab fishing due to project development. To quantify crab fishing area gain versus loss due to the proposed expanded NCA and project footprint development, a crab fishing area balance calculation was conducted. The results of the crab fishing area balance calculation show that there will be a 50% reduction in optimal (2 20 m) crab fishing area due to the project (Table 27). There will be a 20% reduction in accessible (2 50 m) crab fishing area due to the project (Table 27). Therefore, the proposed configuration of the expanded NCA does not directly benefit the FSC fishery as more crab fishing area will be lost than gained. The coastal geomorphology processes surrounding the Terminal 2 footprint can negatively impact crab habitat within the expanded NCA. Anthropogenic changes associated with the B.C. Ferries and Roberts Bank causeways have created a barrier to waves and re-directed tidal flows (NHC 2014). These structures have resulted in significant dispersal and accumulation of sediment over the tidal areas on either side of the Roberts Bank causeway (PMV 2015). The increase in siltation over time have also been observed by FSC fishermen along the northern edge of the causeway and Deltaport, which has created low quality crab habitat that is not fished. While there are known inadequacies in the hydrodynamic and morphodynamic modelling procedures and assumptions, as well as in the assessment of model uncertainties (DFO 2016b), the model predicts that sediment will increase on the north side of the Terminal 2 footprint and turbidity will increase along the northern edge of the causeway and Deltaport (NHC 2014). These changes are predicted to negatively alter crab habitat suitability and resulting FSC harvest, as has been previously observed by FSC fishermen along the northern edge of the causeway and Deltaport. The exact extent of sediment of deposition based upon available information is not known (NHC 2014), but assuming that the areas located at the north side of the Terminal 2 footprint and along the northern edge of the causeway and Deltaport increase in sediment load, approximately 49% (82 ha) of the expanded NCA may be unsuitable for crab fishing by FSC fishermen. In summary, as a consequence of Terminal 2 development, high quality habitat and a preferred FSC crab fishing area will be permanently lost. The proposed configuration of the expanded NCA does not directly benefit the FSC fishery as more crab fishing area will be lost than gained. The proposed expanded NCA configuration was primarily designed to accommodate associated seaward vessel approaches to the terminal. Additional measures may be required to mitigate the loss of FSC crab fishing area (i.e., Terminal 2 and ITP footprints) and ensure availability to the resource, without competition with the commercial fishery. LGL Limited 23

36 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study REFERENCES REFERENCES Area I Crab Fisherman Association Area I Crab Fisherman Association's comments to the review panel on the sufficiency and technical merit of the environmental impact statement and marine shipping addendum for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. Reference number 80054, Vancouver, BC. Blakley, A. C., K. K. English, and L. Cassidy Tsawwassen First Nation post-season fisheries report, Prepared by LGL Limited, Sidney, BC, and Tsawwassen Fisheries Department, Tsawwassen, BC. Burns, C. W., E. Plate, and R. Bocking Dungeness Crab abundance and movement study in the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project area: Appendices. Prepared for Tsawwassen First Nation, Sidney, BC. Curtis, D. L. and I. J. McGaw A year in the life of a Dungeness Crab: Methodology for determining microhabitat conditions experienced by large decapod crustaceans in estuaries. Journal of Zoology 274: DFO (Fisheries and Oceans Canada). 2016a. Technical review of Roberts Bank Terminal 2 environmental assessment: Section 10.3 assessing ecosystem productivity. Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat Pacific Region Science Response 2016/050, Vancouver, BC. DFO (Fisheries and Oceans Canada). 2016b. Technical review of Roberts Bank Terminal 2 environmental assessment: Section 9.5 coastal geomorphology. Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat Pacific Region Science Response 2016/045, Vancouver, BC. DFO (Fisheries and Oceans Canada). 2016c. Pacific region integrated fisheries management plan: Crab by trap: January 1 to December 31, Dunham, J. S., A. Phillips, J. Morrison, and G. Jorgensen A manual for Dungeness Crab surveys in British Columbia. Canadian Technical Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 2964, Nanaimo, BC. Environmental Systems Research Institute ArcGIS Desktop [Computer software]. Redlands, CA. Frid, A., M. McGreer, and A. Stevenson Rapid recovery of Dungeness Crab within spatial fishery closures declared under indigenous law in British Columbia. Global Ecology and Conservation 6: Hemmera (Hemmera Envirochem Inc.). 2014a. Roberts Bank Terminal 2 technical report: Habitat suitability modelling study. Prepared for Port Metro Vancouver, Vancouver, BC. Hemmera (Hemmera Envirochem Inc.). 2014b. Roberts Bank Terminal 2 technical report: Marine invertebrates, marine fish and fish habitat marine benthic subtidal study. Prepared for Port Metro Vancouver, Vancouver, BC. Hemmera (Hemmera Envirochem Inc.). 2014c. Roberts Bank Terminal 2 technical report: Marine invertebrates, Dungeness Crab productivity. Prepared for Port Metro Vancouver, Vancouver, BC. NHC (Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Ltd.) Proposed Roberts Bank Terminal 2 technical report: Coastal geomorphology study. Prepared for Port Metro Vancouver, Vancouver, BC. Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project: Environmental impact statement. Prepared for Port Metro Vancouver, Vancouver, BC. R Core Team R [Computer software]. Vienna, Austria. Rasmuson, L. K The biology, ecology and fishery of the Dungeness Crab, Cancer magister. Pages in M. Lesser, editor. Advances in marine biology. Academic Press, Burlington, MA. LGL Limited 24

37 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study REFERENCES Smith, B. D., and G. S. Jamieson. 1989a. Exploitation and mortality of male Dungeness Crabs (Cancer magister) near Tofino, British Columbia. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 46: Smith, B. D., and G. S. Jamieson. 1989b. A model for standardizing Dungeness Crab (Cancer magister) catch rates among traps which experienced different soak times. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 46: Smith, B. D., and G. S. Jamieson Movement, spatial distribution, and mortality of male and female Dungeness Crab Cancer magister near Tofino, British Columbia. Fishery Bulletin 89: StataCorp Stata [Computer software]. College Station, TX. Stone, R. P., and C. E. O Clair Seasonal movements and distribution of Dungeness Crabs Cancer magister in a glacial southeastern Alaska estuary. Marine Ecology Process Series 214: Taggart, J. S., T. C. Shirley, C. E. O Clair, and J. Mondragon Dramatic increase in the relative abundance of large male Dungeness Crabs Cancer magister following closure of commercial fishing in Glacier Bay, Alaska. American Fisheries Society Symposium 42: Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) Tsawwassen fisheries operational guidelines. Tsawwassen, BC. Zhang, Z., W. Hajas, A. Phillips, and J. A. Boutillier Evaluation of an intensive fishery on Dungeness Crab, Cancer magister, in Fraser Delta, British Columbia. Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat Research Document 2002/118, Nanaimo, BC. LGL Limited 25

38 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES TABLES LGL Limited 26

39 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Table 1 Summary of Dungeness Crab catch-per-unit-effort by zone. Zone Inside NCA Outside NCA Total Statistic CPUE (crab/trap line/24 h) All Crabs All Males Legal Males Sub-Legal Males Females n Mean SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL n Mean SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL n Mean SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL LGL Limited 27

40 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Table 2 Summary of Dungeness Crab catch-per-unit-effort by set location. Set Location Inside NCA Line ITP Footprint Outside NCA Line Terminal 2 Footprint Statistic CPUE (crab/trap line/24 h) All Crabs All Males Legal Males Sub-Legal Males Females n Mean SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL n Mean SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL n Mean SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL n Mean SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL LGL Limited 28

41 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Table 3 Summary of Dungeness Crab catch-per-unit-effort statistical results of likelihood ratio tests for zone models (bold text identifies significance). Legal Males Sub-Legal Males Females Soft-Shell Legal Males Hard-Shell Legal Males Term df Chi-square P df Chi-square P df Chi-square P df Chi-square P df Chi-square P Zone < < < <0.001 Days <0.001 Depth <0.001 Zone x Days Zone x Depth Days x Depth <0.001 Zone x Days x Depth Table 4 Summary of Dungeness Crab catch-per-unit-effort statistical results of likelihood ratio tests for set location models (bold text identifies significance). Legal Males Sub-Legal Males Females Soft-Shell Legal Males Hard-Shell Legal Males Term df Chi-square P df Chi-square P df Chi-square P df Chi-square P df Chi-square P Location < < <0.001 Days <0.001 Location x Days LGL Limited 29

42 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Table 5 Summary of Dungeness Crab carapace width by zone, sex, and size class (carapace width was measured point-to-point). Zone Sex Size Class Carapace Width (mm) n Mean SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL Inside NCA Outside NCA Female NA Total Inside NCA 1, Outside NCA Male All Total 2, Inside NCA Outside NCA Male Sub-Legal Total Inside NCA 1, Outside NCA Male Legal Total 1, Table 6 Summary of Dungeness Crab carapace width by set location and sex (carapace width was measured point-to-point). Set Location Sex Carapace Width (mm) n Mean SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL Inside NCA Line ITP Footprint Female Outside NCA Line Terminal 2 Footprint Inside NCA Line ITP Footprint Male Outside NCA Line Terminal 2 Footprint Table 7 Summary of Dungeness Crab sex, size class, and shell hardness ratios by zone (M = male, F = female, Hard = hard-shell, Soft = soft-shell). Ratio Zone Legal M: Hard M: Hard Legal M: Hard Sub-Legal M: M: F Sub-Legal M Soft M Soft Legal M Soft Sub-Legal M Inside NCA Outside NCA Total LGL Limited 30

43 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Table 8 Summary of movement rate by zone and set location for anchor tagged male Dungeness Crabs. Size Class Males Legal Males Release Area Movement Rate (m/d) n Mean Median SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL Zone Inside NCA Outside NCA Set Location Inside NCA Line ITP Footprint Outside NCA Line Terminal 2 Footprint Total Zone Inside NCA Outside NCA Set Location Inside NCA Line ITP Footprint Outside NCA Line Terminal 2 Footprint Total LGL Limited 31

44 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Size Class Sub-Legal Males Release Area Movement Rate (m/d) n Mean Median SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL Zone Inside NCA Outside NCA Set Location Inside NCA Line ITP Footprint 0 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Outside NCA Line Terminal 2 Footprint Total LGL Limited 32

45 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Table 9 Summary of total distance travelled by zone and set location for anchor tagged male Dungeness Crabs. Size Class All Males Legal Males Release Area Total Distance (m) n Mean Median SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL Zone Inside NCA 45 1, , , ,523 Outside NCA 23 1, , , ,813 Set Location Inside NCA , ,142 ITP Footprint 11 2,215 2, ,689 2,954 1,914 2,516 Outside NCA 12 1,558 1,285 1, , ,309 Terminal 2 Footprint 11 1, , , ,711 Total 68 1, , , ,511 Zone Inside NCA 36 1, , , ,622 Outside NCA 15 1, , , ,784 Set Location Inside NCA Line , ,217 ITP Footprint 10 2,169 1, ,689 2,954 1,848 2,490 Outside NCA Line 7 1,716 1,414 1, , ,806 Terminal 2 Footprint , ,180 Total 51 1, , , ,547 LGL Limited 33

46 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Size Class Sub-Legal Males Release Area Total Distance (m) n Mean Median SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL Zone Inside NCA 9 1, , ,578 Outside NCA 8 1,518 1,067 1, , ,515 Set Location Inside NCA Line , ,262 ITP Footprint 1 2,634 2,634 NA NA 2,634 2,634 NA NA Outside NCA Line 5 1, , , ,411 Terminal 2 Footprint 3 1,820 1,164 2,006 1, , ,090 Total 17 1, , , ,805 LGL Limited 34

47 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Table 10 Summary of release and capture locations by tag type and life stage for tagged male Dungeness Crabs. Tag Type Anchor Tag Acoustic Tag Total Release Zone Capture Zone Crab Life Stage (No.) Males Legal Males Sub-Legal Males Females Inside NCA Outside NCA Outside NCA Inside NCA Inside NCA Outside NCA Inside NCA Inside NCA Outside NCA Inside NCA Inside NCA Outside NCA Inside NCA Inside NCA Outside NCA Inside NCA Table 11 Summary of acoustically tagged Dungeness Crabs released by sex, zone, and set location (males represent legal size males). Sex Zone Set Location Female Male Inside NCA Outside NCA Inside NCA Outside NCA Acoustically Tagged Crabs Released (No.) Inside NCA Line 7 ITP Footprint 0 Outside NCA Line 6 Terminal 2 Footprint 5 Inside NCA Line 45 ITP Footprint 31 Outside NCA Line 11 Terminal 2 Footprint 6 LGL Limited 35

48 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Table 12 Summary of carapace width for acoustically tagged Dungeness Crabs by sex (males represent legal size class and carapace width was measured point-to-point). Sex Male Female Statistic Carapace Width (mm) n 93 Mean SD 8.8 SE 0.9 Min 165 Max 201 Lower CL Upper CL n 18 Mean SD 13.4 SE 3.2 Min 108 Max 165 Lower CL Upper CL Table 13 Male Dungeness Crab acoustic tracking summary (males represent legal size males). Parameter Value Tracking Period Duration (d) 61 Tracking Events (d) 14 Individual Male Crabs (No.) 93 Individual Observations (No.) 194 No. Observations per Male Crab - Mean 3.2 SD 1.7 SE 0.2 Min 1 Max 8 Lower CL 2.9 Upper CL 3.5 LGL Limited 36

49 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Table 14 Summary water depth observations for acoustically tagged male Dungeness Crabs pooled across all zones and set locations (Shallow = ITP and Terminal 2 set locations, Deep = Inside NCA Line and Outside NCA Line set locations). Initial Water Depth (m) Release Depth n Mean SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL Shallow Deep Total Table 15 Summary of movement rate by zone and set location for all acoustically tagged Dungeness Crabs (acoustically tagged crabs were legal sized males and summary statistics were based upon each individual movement event). Release Area Movement Rate (m/d) n Mean Median SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL Zone Inside NCA , Outside NCA , Set Location Inside NCA Line , ITP Footprint , Outside NCA Line , Terminal 2 Footprint , Total , LGL Limited 37

50 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Table 16 Summary of movement rate (from first to last observation) by zone and set location for acoustically tagged Dungeness Crabs (acoustically tagged crabs were legal sized males and summary statistics were based the first and last observations for each individual crab). Release Area Movement Rate (m/d) n Mean Median SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL Zone Inside NCA , Outside NCA , Set Location Inside NCA Line , ITP Footprint Outside NCA Line Terminal 2 Footprint , ,365.4 Total , Table 17 Summary of all observations for total distance travelled by zone and set location for acoustically tagged Dungeness Crabs (acoustically tagged crabs were legal sized males and summary statistics were based the sum of distance travel by each individual crab). Release Area Total Distance (m) n Mean Median SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL Zone Inside NCA 61 2,125 1,527 1, ,557 1,680 2,570 Outside NCA 17 2,413 2,083 1, ,505 1,491 3,334 Set Location Inside NCA Line 35 2,100 1,631 1, ,134 1,589 2,612 ITP Footprint 26 2,158 1,498 2, ,557 1,362 2,954 Outside NCA Line 11 2,814 2,916 2, ,505 1,455 4,174 Terminal 2 Footprint 6 1,676 1, ,369 1,149 2,203 Total 78 2,188 1,644 1, ,557 1,788 2,587 LGL Limited 38

51 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Table 18 Summary of total distance travelled (from first to last observation) by zone and set location for acoustically tagged Dungeness Crabs (acoustically tagged crabs were legal sized males and summary statistics were based the first and last observation straight line distance travelled by each individual crab). Release Area Total Distance (m) n Mean Median SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL Zone Inside NCA 61 1, , ,298 1,050 1,598 Outside NCA 17 1,448 1, ,275 1,029 1,867 Set Location Inside NCA Line 35 1, , , ,850 ITP Footprint 26 1, , ,458 Outside NCA Line 11 1, , , ,021 Terminal 2 Footprint 6 1,484 1, , ,033 Total 78 1,351 1,003 1, ,298 1,119 1,583 Table 19 Summary of acoustically tagged male Dungeness Crabs that moved out of their release zone at least once (counts represent legal male crabs). Release Zone Inside NCA Outside NCA Total Moved to Another Zone Value No. Proportion (%) Yes No Yes 5 38 No 8 62 Yes No LGL Limited 39

52 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Table 20 Summary of days-at-large for tagged Dungeness Crabs by tag type, size class, and release zone. Tag Type Size Class Statistic Acoustic Anchor Tag Legal Male All Males Legal Male Sub-Legal Male Release Zone Inside NCA Outside NCA Total n Mean (d) SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL n Mean (d) SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL n Mean (d) SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL n Mean (d) SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL LGL Limited 40

53 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Table 21 Summary of days-at-large for tagged Dungeness Crabs by tag type, size class, and release set location. Release Set Location Tag Type Size Class Statistic Inside NCA Line ITP Footprint Outside NCA Line Terminal 2 Footprint Total Acoustic Anchor Tag Legal Male All Males Legal Male Sub-Legal Male n Mean (d) SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL n Mean (d) SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL n Mean (d) SD SE Min Max Lower CL Upper CL n Mean (d) 10.5 NA SD 12.0 NA SE 4.2 NA Min 1.0 NA Max 36.0 NA Lower CL 2.2 NA Upper CL 18.8 NA LGL Limited 41

54 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Table 22 Summary of tag recovery statistics (unknown fishery represents tag returns where fishery type FSC or Commercial was not reported and values include both anchor and acoustically tagged crabs). Parameter Tagged No. Value Percent of Total Males 2, Legal Males 1, Sublegal Males Females Total 2,188 NA Recovered Commercial Fishery FSC Fishery Research Study Unknown Fishery Total 122 NA Tag Recovery Rate Commercial Fishery NA 3.8 FSC Fishery NA 0.7 Research Study NA 0.5 Unknown Fishery NA 0.5 Total NA 5.6 LGL Limited 42

55 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Table 23 Summary of acoustic tag recovery statistics and harvest rate. Parameter Value Legal Males Tagged (No.) 93 Recovered by Fishery (No.) - Commercial Fishery 12 FSC Fishery 2 Total 14 Legal Males Present During Last Tracking Survey (No.) Total Legal Males Assumed Harvested (No.) Recovery Rate (%) 15.1 Harvest Rate (%) 84.9 LGL Limited 43

56 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Table 24 Summary of FSC fishermen interviews (sample size was 10 FSC fishermen). Topic Question Classification Count (No.) Harvest Fishing Locations NCA Terminal 2 Footprint Area ITP Footprint Proposed Expanded NCA What do you harvest crab for? Did you fish for crab this year? Where do you fish? Do you fish within the current NCA? Of your crab harvested in the current NCA, what is the %? Do you harvest crab in the Terminal 2 footprint area? Of your crab harvested in the Terminal 2 footprint area, what is the %? Do you harvest in the ITP footprint area? Of your crab harvested in the ITP footprint area, what is the %? Do you harvest crab in the expanded NCA? Of your crab harvested in the expanded NCA, what is the %? Commercial 0 FSC 4 Both 6 Yes 10 No Yes 9 No 1 NA 1 25% 6 50% 2 75% 1 100% 0 Yes 10 No 0 NA 0 25% 4 50% 3 75% 3 100% 0 Yes 6 No 4 NA 4 25% 3 50% 3 75% 0 100% 0 Yes 8 No 2 NA 2 25% 5 50% 2 75% 1 100% 0 LGL Limited 44

57 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Topic Question Classification Count (No.) Outside NCA Impact What % do you fish outside the NCA? Will the expansion and addition of the NCA and Terminal 2 affect your ability to access your preferred crab harvest areas? NA 0 25% 1 50% 7 75% 2 100% 0 Yes 9 No 1 Function of NCA Do you think the current NCA has a function for crab in your area other than excluding commercial fishers? Yes 7 No 3 LGL Limited 45

58 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Table 25 Summary the current NCA, proposed expanded NCA, ITP footprint, and Terminal footprint by depth stratum (depth strata determined based upon available bathymetry data). Parameter Area (ha) Percentage of Total Area (%) Depth Stratum (m) Location Total Current NCA Proposed Expanded NCA ITP Footprint Terminal 2 Footprint Current NCA Proposed Expanded NCA ITP Footprint Terminal 2 Footprint LGL Limited 46

59 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Table 26 Summary of annual commercial Dungeness Crab landings (tonnes) for Pacific Fisheries Management Area 29 and sub-areas (Source: Hemmera 2014c). LGL Limited 47

60 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study TABLES Table 27 Summary of FSC crab fishing area balance. Parameter Area Loss (ha) Area Gain (ha) Location Optimal Crab Fishing Depth (2 20 m) Depth Stratum Accessible Crab Fishing Depth (2 50 m) ITP Footprint Terminal 2 Footprint Total Proposed Expanded NCA Balance (Gain: Loss) Total LGL Limited 48

61 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES FIGURES LGL Limited 49

62 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES 1r N t il W. -~ E Subami 'I 1 " s <'. s l ~ li ; SeniDI'IRII r oint E Rob r rts! ~ 6 ~ -211 D.Vancouver LEGEND Study A rea 31J. D Fisheries Man agement Sub Areas - Trap Lines E2) Navi gational Closure Area (NCA) 0 Delta port Expansion D Proposed NCA Expansio n D Planned Terminal2 D Intermediate Transfer Pit Figure 1 Roberts Bank study area. LGL Limited 50

63 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 2 Comparison of legal male catch-per-unit-effort estimates by zone and set location. Note: Individual data points are shown (circles). Boxes extend from the 25th to 75th percentiles, and include a horizontal line at the median, and whiskers that extend to 1.5 times the interquartile range. Black diamonds show the estimated values outputted by the models (averaged values by study day and set depth) and are plotted along with the 95% confidence limits of the estimate. LGL Limited 51

64 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 3 Comparison of legal male catch-per-unit-effort estimates by study day and set depth. Note: Individual data points are shown (circles). Boxes extend from the 25th to 75th percentiles, and include a horizontal line at the median, and whiskers that extend to 1.5 times the interquartile range. Light filled circles and boxes are from inside the NCA, and dark-filled circles and boxes are from outside the NCA. LGL Limited 52

65 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 4 Comparison of soft-shell legal male catch-per-unit-effort estimates by zone and set location. Note: Individual data points are shown (circles). Boxes extend from the 25th to 75th percentiles, and include a horizontal line at the median, and whiskers that extend to 1.5 times the interquartile range. Black diamonds show the estimated values outputted by the models (averaged values by study day and set depth) and are plotted along with the 95% confidence limits of the estimate. LGL Limited 53

66 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 5 Comparison of soft-shell legal male catch-per-unit-effort estimates by study day and set depth. Note: Individual data points are shown (circles). Boxes extend from the 25th to 75th percentiles, and include a horizontal line at the median, and whiskers that extend to 1.5 times the interquartile range. Light filled circles and boxes are from inside the NCA, and dark-filled circles and boxes are from outside the NCA. In the upper panel, the light lines show the estimated mean CPUE by date (averaged over all depths) from sets inside the NCA, and the dark lines are for sets outside the NCA. Dotted lines show data from within the ITP (light dotted) or Terminal 2 (dark dotted) footprint. LGL Limited 54

67 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 6 Comparison of hard-shell legal male catch-per-unit-effort estimates by zone and set location. Note: Individual data points are shown (circles). Boxes extend from the 25th to 75th percentiles, and include a horizontal line at the median, and whiskers that extend to 1.5 times the interquartile range. Black diamonds show the estimated values outputted by the models (averaged values by study day and set depth) and are plotted along with the 95% confidence limits of the estimate. LGL Limited 55

68 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 7 Comparison of sub-legal male catch-per-unit-effort estimates by study day and set depth. Note: Individual data points are shown (circles). Boxes extend from the 25th to 75th percentiles, and include a horizontal line at the median, and whiskers that extend to 1.5 times the interquartile range. Light filled circles and boxes are from inside the NCA, and dark-filled circles and boxes are from outside the NCA. In the upper panel, the light lines show the estimated mean CPUE by date (averaged over all depths) from sets inside the NCA, and the dark lines are for sets outside the NCA. Dotted lines show data from within the ITP (light dotted) and Terminal 2 (dark dotted) footprint. LGL Limited 56

69 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 8 Comparison of sub-legal male catch-per-unit-effort estimates by zone and set location. Note: Individual data points are shown (circles). Boxes extend from the 25th to 75th percentiles, and include a horizontal line at the median, and whiskers that extend to 1.5 times the interquartile range. Black diamonds show the estimated values outputted by the models (averaged values by study day and set depth) and are plotted along with the 95% confidence limits of the estimate. LGL Limited 57

70 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 9 Comparison of sub-legal male catch-per-unit-effort estimates by study day and set depth. Note: Individual data points are shown (circles). Boxes extend from the 25th to 75th percentiles, and include a horizontal line at the median, and whiskers that extend to 1.5 times the interquartile range. Light filled circles and boxes are from inside the NCA, and dark-filled circles and boxes are from outside the NCA. In the upper panels, the light lines show the estimated mean CPUE by date (averaged over all depths) from sets inside the NCA, and the dark lines are for sets outside the NCA. In the middle panel, the dotted lines show trends from within the ITP (light dotted) and Terminal 2 (dark dotted) footprint. LGL Limited 58

71 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 10 Comparison of female catch-per-unit-effort estimates by zone and set location. Note: Individual data points are shown (circles). Boxes extend from the 25th to 75th percentiles, and include a horizontal line at the median, and whiskers that extend to 1.5 times the interquartile range. Black diamonds show the estimated values outputted by the models (averaged values by study day and set depth) and are plotted along with the 95% confidence limits of the estimate. LGL Limited 59

72 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 11 Comparison of female catch-per-unit-effort estimates by day and set depth. Note: Individual data points are shown (circles). Boxes extend from the 25th to 75th percentiles, and include a horizontal line at the median, and whiskers that extend to 1.5 times the interquartile range. Light filled circles and boxes are from inside the NCA, and dark-filled circles and boxes are from outside the NCA. In the upper panel, the line shows the estimated mean CPUE by date (averaged over all depths). LGL Limited 60

73 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 12 Comparison of Dungeness Crab carapace width by zone and sex. Error bars represent 95% confidence limits of the mean, values above bars represent sample size (n), asterisks indicate significant difference (P < 0.05). LGL Limited 61

74 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 13 Comparison of male Dungeness Crab carapace width by zone and size class. Error bars represent 95% confidence limits of the mean, values above bars represent sample size (n), asterisks indicate significant difference (P < 0.05). LGL Limited 62

75 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 14 Carapace width frequency distribution of male Dungeness Crabs by zone. LGL Limited 63

76 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 15 Carapace width frequency distribution of female Dungeness Crabs by zone. LGL Limited 64

77 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 16 Compass and polar histogram plots of movement direction and distance for anchor tagged male Dungeness Crabs. LGL Limited 65

78 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 17 Compass and polar histogram plots of movement direction and distance for anchor tagged male Dungeness Crabs by zone. LGL Limited 66

79 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES... Acoustic Tag o Anchor Tag LEGEND Study Area 0 Delta port Expansion 0 Planned Terminal 2 E:2J Navigational Closure Area (NCA) c:j Proposed NCA Expansion D Fisheries Management Sub Areas 0 Intermediate Transfer Pit Figure 18 Recovery locations of anchor and acoustically tagged male Dungeness Crabs (tag recoveries only shown on map where UTM coordinates were reported by fishermen). LGL Limited 67

80 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES 0 () 8 ~anairno LEGEND Release Location Study Area ITP Footprint D Oeltaport Expansion Inside NCA line D Planned Terminal 2 Fl Outside NCA line EZa Navigational Closure ''.:j ].Otn:an Terminal 2 Footprint Area (NCA) o~~ Fisheries D Management Sub Areas D ~~:ermediate Transfer ~~======~====~~LL----~~~~~~~~~ Expansion Figure 19 Release locations of acoustically tagged Dungeness Crabs. LGL Limited 68

81 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 20 Movement rate of acoustically tagged Dungeness Crabs by zone. Note: Individual data points are shown (circles). Boxes extend from the 25th to 75th percentiles, and include a horizontal line at the median, and whiskers that extend to 1.5 times the interquartile range. Blue diamonds show the estimated values outputted by the linear model (and are averaged over the duration of the study) and are plotted along with the 95% confidence limits of the estimate (error bars). The estimated values were generated from log-transformed data and have been back-transformed into non-log space. Two extreme values were excluded from the plot (one crab moved 2,337 m in one day outside the NCA; and another crab moved 1,599 m in one day inside the NCA). LGL Limited 69

82 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 21 Compass and polar histogram plots of movement direction and distance for acoustically tagged male Dungeness Crabs. LGL Limited 70

83 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 22 Compass and polar histogram plots of movement direction and distance for acoustically tagged male Dungeness Crabs by zone. LGL Limited 71

84 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Subarea Fisheries D Management Sub Areas D Intermediate Transfer Pit Figure 23 Example movement patterns observed for acoustically tagged male Dungeness Crabs. LGL Limited 72

85 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES Figure 24 Location of acoustically tagged female Dungeness Crabs in January LEGEND 0 Female [22] Navigational Closure Area (NCA) Study Area Q Proposed NCA Expansion 1:.ouncan 0 Delta port Expansion D Fisheries Management Sub Areas ~ 0 Planned Term ina! 2 0 Intermediat e Transfer Pit g~========~========~~l_ ~==============~ LGL Limited 73

86 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES!:J Spring Moulting Area D Fisheries Management Sub Areas Ed Sediment Accumulation ~ Navigational Closure Area (NCA) D Crab Harvest Area 0 Oeltaport Expansion 0 Planned Terminal 2 (:] Proposed NCA Expansion D Intermediate Transfer Pit Subarea ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ il ~I 9 ~ ~ 2 '8 ~ V I if ~ I ~ ~ 0., i ~! ~ $ ~.Nona Uno Subarea 29-4 D.Vancower 'lrlfrl,,, t..rtn,s-111 ~ ~ E '" g Subarea 18-1 Kilomet~rs Figure 25 FSC fishermen interview observations. LGL Limited 74

87 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES ] ~ ~ ~ ]; ~I s z ~I ~ 2 "& i! ~ ~ u, d' :;;I ~ ~ ;: ;;; i ~!.Nane mo ~ ::; ~ 2 -:: ~ ~ s Figure 26 Location of optimal FSC fishermen crab fishing depths (2 20 m) within the current NCA, proposed expanded NCA, Terminal 2 footprint, and ITP footprint. LEGEND Study Area 0 Deltaport Expansion 0 Planned Terminal2 E2J Navigational Closure Area (NCA) D Proposed NCA Expansion 0 Fisheries Management Sub Areas D Intermediate Transfer Pit - Bathymetry (2-20m) LGL Limited 75

88 Dungeness Crab Abundance and Movement Study FIGURES ci 6 Qj 10 (/) (/) Q) > Pacific Fishery Management Area 29 Sub-Area , , ,000 (j) >- ro "'0 a. 300, ,000 ~ ;t::- t 200,000 0 :!:: w 150, ,000 50, Pacific Fishery Management Area 29 Sub-Area 9 10 Figure 27 Comparison of Dungeness Crab commercial fishery effort in DFO Pacific Fisheries Management Area 29 sub-areas. LGL Limited 76