Northern Shrimp (Pandalus borealis) on Flemish Cap Surveys 2010

Abstract

A stratified random bottom trawl survey on Flemish Cap was carried out from June 21st to July 22th 2010. The area surveyed was extended up to depths of 800 fathoms (1450 meters) following the same procedures as in previous years. This year a total of 153 valid hauls were made by the vessel R/V Vizconde de Eza with the usual survey gear (Lofoten), 97 up to 730 meters depth. Although the surveyed area was properly prospected in the 32 strata planned, unlike previous years, economic problems did not allow to carry out the fishing according to the schedule of other years, causing a significant reduction in the number of sets if we compare them with those done in previous years. The general indexes for shrimp were estimated taken into account the traditional swept area (strata 1-19, up to depths of 730 m.) and the total area surveyed (strata 1-34, up to depths of 1450 m.). As in 2009 the strata 26 and 27sited in the southeast of the bank with depths from 600 to 800 fathoms (1100-1400 m.) will not be surveyed due to the presence in the bottoms of great quantities of mud and sponges.

The results concerning shrimp are presented and compared to those from previous years of the same series. Although the biomass and abundance in 2010 increased from 2009 (73 % and 42% respectively), this increase was not enough for the recovery of the stock whose biomass is still among the lowest in the series.