Science Advisory Report  2008/002

Assessment of shrimp stocks in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence in 2007

Summary

• Shrimp landings totalled more than 36,000 t in 2007 and TACs were reached in the four fishing areas.
• The stock status is determined by comparing the 2007 indices to the mean of the years 1990-2005.
• The catch per unit of effort stayed at a value that is much higher than the mean in all areas. It increased relatively to 2006 in Sept-Iles, was similar in Anticosti and Estuary and decreased in Esquiman.
• The biomass index of the research survey increased relatively to 2006 to reach a value that is higher than the mean in all areas except in Esquiman where the index decreased to reach a value similar to the mean.
• The spawning female abundance index in spring was higher than the mean in all areas except in Anticosti. The size of females increased in Estuary and Sept-Iles to approach the mean. It remained lower than the mean in Anticosti and Esquiman.
• The fishing effort stayed similar or slightly lower than the mean in all areas. The exploitation rate index decreased in all areas except in Esquiman. The indices reached values that are similar or slightly below the mean.
• The index of recruitment to the spawning stock remained above the mean in all areas except in Estuary where it is similar to the mean. The size of females that will carry eggs at spring in 2008 could be higher than the mean in Estuary and Sept-Iles while it should stay below the mean in Anticosti and Esquiman.
• The stock abundances have remained at a high level since the last four or five years. Predictions for 2008 indicate that the stocks should remain in good condition. The year classes that will sustain the fishery in the next few years seem to be of average abundance except that of 2004 which seems to be more abundant in Anticosti and Esquiman. It should recruit to the female component in 2009.
• In 2008, catches equal to the 2007 TACs should generate exploitation rates close to the mean. Consequently, the status quo is recommended in all areas for the 2008 TACs.

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