Information to support the assessment of Northern Shrimp, Pandalus borealis, and Striped Shrimp, Pandalus montagui, in the Eastern and Western assessment zones, February 2023

Abstract

The status of the Northern Shrimp (Pandalus borealis) and Striped Shrimp (P. montagui) resources in the Eastern Assessment Zone (EAZ) and the Western Assessment Zone (WAZ) were assessed based on the results of fishery-independent surveys jointly conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Northern Shrimp Research Foundation (NSRF) and commercial catch information. Data for the EAZ assessment spans the years 2009–2022 while the current WAZ time series began in 2014. Results from individual survey areas within the EAZ are also provided. Pandalus borealis stock in the EAZ is currently above the established Limit Reference Point (LRP; 15,800 t), but below the proposed Upper Stock Reference (USR). Based on the proposed USR of 31,600 t, this would place the stock in the cautious zone with a 98.3% probability. Both the reported and potential exploitation rates were the highest in the time series. The reported exploitation rate index for 2022/23 was 19.4% with 67% of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) taken. Should the entire 2022/23 TAC of 10,732 t be taken, the potential exploitation rate index would be 29.1%. Pandalus montagui stock in the EAZ is currently well above the established LRP (3,100 t) and the proposed USR (6,100 t). This would place the stock in the healthy zone with a 93.1% probability. The full 2022 TAC of 1,400 t has been reported as catch, resulting in a 9.9% exploitation rate. Pandalus borealis stock in the WAZ is currently well above the established LRP (4,100 t) and the proposed USR (8,200 t). This would place the stock in the healthy zone with a 98.8% probability. The reported exploitation rate index for 2022/23 was 1.3% with 8.0% of the TAC taken. Should the entire 2022/23 TAC of 3,958 t be taken, the potential exploitation rate index would be 16.5%. Pandalus montagui stock in the WAZ is currently well above the established LRP (12,300 t) and the proposed USR (24,600 t). This would place the stock in the healthy zone with a > 99.9% probability. The reported exploitation rate index for 2022/23 was 10.7% with 92.6% of the TAC taken. Should the entire 2022/23 TAC of 12,096 t be taken, the potential exploitation rate index would be 11.5%.