Research Document - 2003/050

Northern Shrimp (Pandalus borealis) off Baffin Island, Labrador and Northeastern Newfoundland

By D.C. Orr, P.J. Veitch, and D.J. Sullivan

Abstract

Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) assessments were completed for Division 0B, Division 2G, Hopedale + Cartwright Channels and Hawke Channel + Division 3K, which correspond to shrimp fishing areas 2, 4, 5 and 6 respectively. Status of the resource in each area was inferred, in part, by examining trends in commercial catch, effort, catch per unit effort, fishing pattern and size/sex/age composition of the catches. A multispecies research trawl survey that was conducted in 2002 provided information on distribution, abundance, biomass, size/sex composition and age structure of shrimp in Cartwright Channel and Hawke Channel + Div. 3K. These findings were compared with results of previous surveys in these areas.

Catch rates by offshore vessels in Hopedale + Cartwright remained relatively stable at a high level, while those in Hawke + 3K decreased below 2001 values. The research survey in the fall of 2002 showed that abundance and biomass estimates within Hawke +3K and Cartwright Channel decreased slightly, but remain statistically similar to 2001 levels in the respective areas. Catch rates in Div. 2G are being maintained near the long term mean value, while rates in Div. 0B varied at a high level since 1996.

The shrimp resource in Hawke Channel + Div. 3K is currently healthy with the second highest total biomass/abundances indices in the time series. Female biomass/abundances are the highest in the time series. Residual female biomass and stronger 1997 and 1998 year classes should buffer the effects of a weak 1996 year class for the next few years. Biomass/ abundance indices within Cartwright Channel have decreased since 2001. It is not clear whether indices developed for Cartwright Channel are indicative of stock status within all of SFA 5. Due to operational problems, the 2001 and 2002 surveys in SFAs 5 and 6 occurred two months later than usual, and may not have covered all of the stock area. Additionally, the 2001 survey was completed, in part, by a new vessel. The relative influences of these factors upon the survey results are unknown. Current status and prospects in Div. 2G are unknown because the lack of a research survey since 1999 precluded evaluation of the spawning stock, the level of exploitation and recruitment. There has never been a research survey into Div. 0B. This creates uncertainty in understanding the current state of stock, distribution, delineation and exploitation level, therefore, prospects in 0B are unknown.

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