Grant: Strategic Projects - Group

Bitter Crab Disease/Syndrome (BCD/BCS) is a fatal disease of the snow crab and other crustaceans that is caused by a parasitic dinoflagellate. Currently infecting over 30 species of crustaceans worldwide, several of which are commercially important, the disease is continuing to spread. In addition to producing mortalities, BCS also affects product quality in terminal stages of the disease, causing a bitter taste to the meat. Consequently, BCD has the potential to affect commercial and recreational snow crab fisheries and the economies of Newfoundland and Labrador which have already experienced a major shift in target species (from Atlantic cod to shellfish). Although BCD has been recognized since the mid-1980's, previous research adopted a "shotgun" approach where issues were not prioritized and often not coordinated. As a result many unknowns exist about the parasite and the resulting disease. For example, major unknowns include the life history of the parasite outside the crustacean host, the method of infection, disease progression in a susceptible population, and the impact that this disease may have on population abundance and distribution of snow crab. This proposal takes a systematic approach in attempting to address the above issues through focused laboratory and field experiments and the collaboration of industry and research and management entities. The goals of the proposed research are better understanding of the disease, the biology of the parasite and the impact that BCD may have upon recruitment, abundance and distribution patterns of snow crab. The information gained from this project will be provided to resource managers and industry and should significantly enhance efforts toward sustaining an important Atlantic Canada fishery.