Research Document - 1999/202
A progress report on the control of growth and recruitment overfishing in the shrimp trap fishery in British Columbia.
By J.A. Bouthillier and J.A. Bond
Abstract
Management of growth and recruitment overfishing in the spot prawn (Pandalus platyceros) trap fishery in British Columbia is managed using size limits and a fixed escapement system. The fixed escapement is implemented using an index of the number of spawner/trap caught in the commercial fishery. The development and application of this system are reviewed, including a description of the theoretical basis for this method of management, the problems with implementation, and the implementation procedure.
The size limits were introduced in 1985 and implemented in 1988. Industry has recognised the benefits of the size limits and has recently suggested increases.
The fixed escapement system was initially based on empirical survey data. To evaluate the efficacy of this management system a number of experimental management areas were developed. This paper will review the present state of progress in the development of a more model-based rationale for this system using data gathered from one of these experimental management areas, Howe Sound.
Howe Sound has been closely monitored as an experimental prawn management area since 1985. Data available for the area includes catch records from the commercial fishery, biological sampling and catch composition monitoring of the fishery, and detailed information from pre- and post-fishery research surveys carried out every year. This paper reviews the findings and suggests directions for further work.
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