February 29, 2020

Canada worries on shrimp stocks

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) of Canada has conducted its latest assessment of coldwater shrimp stocks off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, and remains concerned, CBC reported.

According to the DFO's ratings, shrimp fishing area four remains in the "cautious" zone; five is healthy; and in six, stocks remain critical. 

DFO said there were several factors that could account for area six retaining critical status, including above-average bottom temperatures, and more predators.

"The 'fishable' biomass levels of all three remain at or near their lowest since the mid-1990s," it said.

However, the Fish, Food & Allied Workers (FFAW) union said things are not as grim as DFO presents. It acknowledged 'fishable' biomass has decreased in area six, and remains a critical zone, but noted the drop is 8%, which the union argued is relatively low.

"Overall, the latest assessment for northern shrimp is certainly not all doom and gloom, though it's crucial that DFO take the necessary steps to ensure a holistic approach to fisheries assessment and management that takes into account historic levels of shrimp and their predators," said FFAW president Keith Sullivan.