Stock Assessment for Striped Shrimp (Pandalus montagui) in Shrimp Fishing Area 4, the Eastern Assessment Zone, and Western Assessment Zone for the 2025–26 Fishing Season

Abstract

Status SFA 4: In 2024, Striped Shrimp fishable biomass (FBpop) was estimated to be 2.8 times the LRP for SFA 4. The population-wide potential predator index is at a time-series high in 2024, but other indices of stock health showed no cause for concern. Striped Shrimp in SFA 4 is considered in a healthy state. EAZ: In 2024, Striped Shrimp was estimated to be in the Healthy Zone of the PA Framework, above the USR with a 91.5% probability. WAZ: In 2024, Striped Shrimp was estimated to be in the Healthy Zone of the PA Framework, above the USR with a 98.0% probability. Trends SFA 4: In 2024, the SSB index increased by 6% (to 25,000 t) since 2023, and is slightly above the long-term mean (2005–23). The SFA 4-specific FB index has decreased by 26% (to 28,600 t) since 2023, and is slightly below the long-term mean (29,600 t). EAZ: The female SSB and FB indices in the EAZ have increased since 2023, by 97.5% (to 13,488 t) and 11.2% (to 15,724 t), respectively. These indices are above the long-term mean (2009–23) and reference period mean (2009–19). WAZ: The female SSB and FB indices in the WAZ have increased since 2023, by 65.3% (to 65,704 t) and 7.7% (to 72,644 t), respectively. These indices are above the long-term mean (2014–23) and reference period mean (2014–19). Ecosystem and Climate Change Considerations In SFA 4, the EAZ, and WAZ, summer ocean bottom temperatures for 2024 were close to average to slightly warmer. The potential predator index representing the assessment area has increased in recent years to a time-series high in 2024. Stock Advice SFA 4: The preliminary ERI for 2024/2025 was 10.4%, with 74% of the bycatch limit taken. If the full bycatch limit is taken in 2024/2025, the ERI will be 14.1%. EAZ: The preliminary ERI for 2024/2025 in the EAZ was 1.6%, with 11.1% of the TAC taken. If the full TAC is taken in 2024/2025, the ERI will be 14.1%. WAZ: The preliminary ERI for 2024/2025 in the WAZ was 6.0%, with 28% of the TAC taken. If the full TAC is taken in 2024/2025, the ERI will be 21.2%.