A significant reduction in crab stocks in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence is bad news for eastern Canadian fishermen.

Gail Shea said the science needs to be respected.Gail Shea said the science needs to be respected. (CBC)

Federal scientists say stocks are down 57 per cent over last year. Federal Fisheries Minister Gail Shea said it's a serious situation.

"With the fishery you can never be guaranteed what's going to be there to fish," said Shea.

"One thing we do know for sure is that you have to respect the science, as I said, or there will be no fish in the future."

Quebec and New Brunswick have a large stake in the fishery, and there is also a small fleet fishing out of P.E.I.

The region's snow crab advisory committee will meet in Moncton Wednesday to discuss reductions in quota, which are expected to be cut by 25 to 50 per cent.