Shrimp fishing vessels. (Photo: Stock File)

'Modest' TAC increase for Northern shrimp fishery

CANADA
Tuesday, March 31, 2015, 23:50 (GMT + 9)

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has announced the 2015/2016 Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) fishery management decisions for Shrimp Fishing Areas 0, 4, 5 and 6.

Minister Gail Shea pointed out that the Government of Canada is committed to ensure the sustainability and the financial stability of the Northern shrimp fishery while maximizing economic opportunities for fishermen.

In keeping with this commitment, the management decision for Northern shrimp is as follows:  

• A total allowable catch (TAC) rollover in Shrimp Fishing Area (SFA) 0 at 500 tonnes.
• A TAC rollover in SFA 4 of 14,971 tonnes, which includes a 1,700 tonnes Section 10 allocation, and a by-catch of Panddalus montagui of 4,033 tonnes.
• The TAC in SFA 5 will increase from 20,970 tonnes to the 2013 level of 23,300 tonnes. Allocations to quota holders will also be reinstated to 2013/2014 levels.
• A TAC rollover in SFA 6 of 48,196 tonnes.

The DFO highlighted that fisheries management decisions are complex and take into account a number of considerations including science, conservation and input from Aboriginal groups, other levels of government and stakeholders.

Canada exports more cold water shrimp than any other country in the world and shrimp is Canada’s fourth most valuable seafood export.

Northern shrimp is by far the most abundant of the 30 shrimp species found in the Canadian Atlantic, representing approximately 97 per cent of the overall commercial fishery in the region.

Canada’s Northern shrimp fishery was the first Canadian fishery to receive the Marine Stewardship Council’s eco-certification as sustainable seafood in 2008.

The fishery opens on 1 April, 2015 for SFAs 4, 5 and 6. SFA 0 opened on 1 January, 2015.

Northern shrimp prices have been relatively high in the past years, approaching historic highs in 2014. The expectation for 2015 is that Northern shrimp landed prices will continue to be strong, mainly as a result of changes in world supply, economic growth forecasts for key European markets and China, and the value of the Canadian dollar.

"Our Government recognizes the economic importance of the Northern shrimp fishery for coastal and northern communities in Atlantic Canada. This year’s science supports a modest increase of the total allowable catch. It means that all fishermen currently involved in this fishery will be out fishing this upcoming season," said Minister Shea.

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