Proceedings 2019/003

Proceedings of the Regional Peer Review of the Stock Assessment of Eastern Scotian Shelf Shrimp in Shrimp Fishing Areas (SFAs) 13-15; December 7, 2016

Chairperson: Thomas Wheaton

Editor: Lottie Bennett

Summary

A regional peer review meeting was held on December 7, 2016, at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Nova Scotia to conduct an assessment of Eastern Scotian Shelf Shrimp in Shrimp Fishing Areas (SFAs) 13-15. The focus of the meeting was to review the science information on the status of the Eastern Scotian Shelf Shrimp stock to help determine a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) that is consistent with the management plan. Participation in this meeting included Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), non-DFO scientists, First Nations and Aboriginal organizations, the fishing industry, and New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries. Annual stock assessments were conducted for Eastern Scotian Shelf Shrimp until 2012, following which a biennial assessment schedule with interim year updates was initiated in 2013. Both assessment and update processes are based upon a full analysis of Shrimp stock indicators determined from the DFO-Industry survey, commercial landings, and environmental monitoring data. As predicted in recent assessments, the Eastern Scotian Shelf Shrimp stock has declined since 2014, as the 2007-2008 year-classes have now reached the end of their expected life span. Based on the precautionary approach as it is applied to Eastern Scotian Shelf Shrimp, the stock is in the Cautious Zone. Continuation of precautionary TAC reductions will help to maintain low exploitation rates and to protect more of the 2013 year-class until it can recruit to the spawning stock biomass. This proceedings document is the record of the meeting discussions and conclusions.

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