Science Advisory Report  2008/018

Assessment of Northern Shrimp (Pandalus borealis) and Striped Shrimp (Pandalus montagui) in Shrimp Fishing Areas 0, 2 and 3

Summary

• The areas being assessed are SFA0, the Resolution Island Study Area (RISA) which is SFA2 west of 63°W and SFA3 east of 66°W, SFA2EX which is SFA2 east of 63°W, and SFA3 west of 66°W.
• Three research surveys: 2006 DFO survey of SFA0, 2007 DFO survey of SFA3 and the 2005-2007 Northern Shrimp Research Foundation/DFO surveys of SFA2EX and RISA provide the fishery independent data for this assessment.
• Production (survey biomass and fishery data) and fishery exploitation rate indices are used to assess the stocks.
• The approach taken for the SFAs 0, 2 and 3 follows the framework developed for SFAs 5 and 6 (DFO 2007) to the extent possible.
• The group was unable to demonstrate there would be an improvement in future scientific advice in support of Fisheries and Aquaculture Management by changing the management areas.

SFA0 – P. borealis

• Resource status is based on a single survey conducted in 2006.

Production

• Survey fishable biomass index is 600 t (2006).
• Survey female biomass index is 460 t (2006).

Recruitment

• Recruitment is uncertain.

Fishery

• No fishery in recent years.

Stock Status/Current Outlook/Future Prospects

• Current status and future prospects are uncertain.
• There are plans for another survey in 2008.

SFA2EX (SFA2 east of 63°W) – P. borealis

• Resource status is based on fishery data and a three year survey series beginning in 2005.

Production

• Survey fishable biomass indices varied between 23,000 and 34,000 t.
• Survey female biomass indices varied between 10,000 and 23,000 t.
• Large vessel CPUE has varied without trend since 2000.

Fishery

• Exploitation rate index range for 2005/06 to 2007/08 is 2% to 3%.

Stock Status/Current Outlook/Future Prospects

• Current stock status and future prospects are uncertain.

RISA – P. borealis

• Resource status is based on fishery data and a two year survey series starting in 2006.

Production

• Survey fishable biomass indices were 13,000 t (2006) and 9,000 t (2007).
• Survey female biomass indices were 9,000 t (2006) and 5,000 t (2007).
• CPUE has varied without trend since 2000.

Recruitment

• Recruitment is uncertain.

Fishery

• The average exploitation rate index for 2006/07 to 2007/08 is 48%. It is based on biomass estimates which are more uncertain than in other study areas.
• Stock has supported the fishery since 2000 as CPUE and landings (directed and bycatch) have varied without trend during this period and the area fished has remained the same.

Stock Status/ Current Outlook/Future Prospects

• Stock status appears stable since 2000 from fishery data.
• Future prospects are uncertain.

RISA – P. montagui

• Resource status is based on fishery data and a two year survey series starting in 2006.

Production

• Survey fishable biomass indices were unchanged at 8,000 t (2006 and 2007).
• Survey female biomass indices were 7,000 t (2006) and 3,500 t (2007).
• CPUE has varied without trend since 2000 but increased significantly in 2006/07.

Recruitment

• Recruitment is uncertain.

Fishery

• Total annual catch (directed and bycatch) of P. montagui has decreased since 2000 primarily based on reduced effort.
• The average exploitation rate index for 2006/07 to 2007/08 is 22%. It is based on biomass estimates which are more uncertain than in other study areas.

Stock Status/ Current Outlook/Future Prospects

• Stock status and future prospects are uncertain.

SFA3 (west of 66°W)– P. borealis

• Resource status is based on single survey in 2007 and no fishery data.

Production

• Survey fishable biomass index is 13,000 t (2007).
• Survey female biomass index is 3,000 t (2007).

Recruitment

• Recruitment is uncertain.

Fishery

• No fishery in recent years.

Stock Status/ Current Outlook/Future Prospects

• Current status and future prospects are uncertain.

SFA3 (west of 66°W)–P. montagui

• Resource status is based on single survey in 2007 and no fishery data.

Production

• Survey fishable biomass index is 48,000 t (2007).
• Survey female biomass index is 17,000 t (2007).

Recruitment

• Recruitment is uncertain.

Fishery

• No fishery in recent years.

Stock Status/Current Outlook/Future Prospects

• Current status and future prospects are uncertain.

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