Assessment of Northern Shrimp (Pandalus borealis) in Shrimp Fishing Areas 4-6 in 2021

Abstract

Resource status of Northern Shrimp was assessed based on DFO fall multi-species trawl survey data (Shrimp Fishing Areas [SFAs] 5-6), Northern Shrimp Research Foundation (NSRF)-DFO summer trawl survey data (SFA 4), and commercial catch data (exploitation rate index). Ecosystem status in 2J3K and 2H (SFAs 5-6) was considered by examination of available oceanographic conditions, biological community structure, predator-prey interactions, genetic composition of shrimp components, and some human impacts (including trends in fishery performance). Data on ecosystem status in SFA 4 are limited. It is recognized that Northern Shrimp are distributed broadly over the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, including SFAs 4-6, and that these areas are connected through larval dispersal. Rates of exchange of adults are less understood. Preliminary research demonstrates localized genetically-distinct pools that may be linked to smaller-scale oceanographic profiles (i.e., gyres). These linkages need to be considered to interpret dynamics within and among assessment areas.