Research Document - 2002/035
Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) off Baffin Island, Labrador and northeastern Newfoundland - second interim review
By D. Orr, D.G. Parsons, P.J. Veitch, D.J. Sullivan
Abstract
Pandalus borealis) assessments were performed for Division 0B, Division 2G, Hopedale + Cartwright Channels and Hawke Channel + Division 3K, which correspond to shrimp fishing areas 2, 4, 5 and 6, respectively. Status of the resource in each area was inferred, in part, by examining trends in commercial catch, effort, catch per unit effort, fishing pattern and size sex age composition of the catches. A multispecies research trawl survey conducted in 2001 provided information on distribution, abundance, biomass, size, sex composition and age structure of shrimp in Hopedale + Cartwright Channels and in Hawke Channel + Div. 3K. These findings were compared with results of previous surveys in these areas.
heightUpdates of northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) assessments were performed for Division 0B, Division 2G, Hopedale + Cartwright Channels and Hawke Channel + Division 3K, which correspond to shrimp fishing areas 2, 4, 5 and 6, respectively. Status of the resource in each area was inferred, in part, by examining trends in commercial catch, effort, catch per unit effort, fishing pattern and size sex age composition of the catches. A multispecies research trawl survey conducted in 2001 provided information on distribution, abundance, biomass, size, sex composition and age structure of shrimp in Hopedale + Cartwright Channels and in Hawke Channel + Div. 3K. These findings were compared with results of previous surveys in these areas.
Catch rates by offshore vessels in Hopedale + Cartwright, and Hawke + 3K remained relatively stable at a high level. The research survey in the fall of 2001 showed that abundance and biomass estimates remained high in both areas with indications of recent increase. Catch rates in Div. 2G have increased since 1995, while those in Div. 0B have varied at a high level since 1996.
The shrimp resource in Hawke Channel + Div. 3K is currently healthy with high abundance of males and females. Residual female biomass and stronger 1997 and 1998 year classes should buffer the effects of a weak 1996 year class for the next few years. Biomass and abundance of both males and females increased within Hopedale + Cartwright over the period 1999 - 2001, however, due to operational problems, the survey in this area occurred two months later than usual, did not cover the southeastern portion of Div. 2H, and had to be conducted, in part, by a new vessel. The relative influences of these factors upon the survey results are unknown. Current status and prospects in Div. 2G are unknown because the lack of a research survey in 2001 precluded evaluation of the spawning stock, the level of exploitation and recruitment. Similarly, the lack of a research survey into Div. 0B creates uncertainty in understanding the stock status, distribution, delineation and exploitation level, therefore, prospects in 0B are unknown.
Complete document
Accessibility Notice
This document is available in PDF format. If the document is not accessible to you, please contact the Secretariat to obtain another appropriate format, such as regular print, large print, Braille or audio version.
- Date modified: