[x]

If you have a few seconds just before you download the Guide, we'd really like to know a little more about you so that we can keep you up to date with our campaigns and other activities.

No thanks...
Read our data protection policy
Registered Charity England and Wales No. 1004005 | Scotland No. SC037480
[x]
Prawn, northern (Pandalus borealis)

view larger image

Common name - Prawn, northern
Scientific name - Pandalus borealis
Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Caught at sea Demersal otter trawl
Capture Area North West Atlantic  FAO 21
Stock Area Canada EEZ
Stock Detail SFA 8
Summary
Shrimp Fishing Area 8 (Esquiman Channel) is located in the northern Gulf of St Lawrence, Quebec. This fishery is one of three Canadian northern prawn fisheries to have been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (www.msc.org). They are: Canada northern prawn (SFA 5,6,7,13,14,15), Gulf of St. Lawrence northern shrimp (SFA 9,10,12), Gulf of St. Lawrence northern shrimp trawl fishery Esquiman Channel (SFA 8).
Biology
Pandalus borealis, the northern prawn, or cold-water prawn (also known as pink or deepwater shrimp in North America), are crustaceans belonging to the family Pandalidae. The species has a wide distribution throughout the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans (the Pacific form is generally regarded as a subspecies, Pandalus borealis eous). The species occurs as far south as the North Sea, Massachusetts, Oregon and Japan. They develop initially as males, then become female after around 3 years. Life span is around 5 years, although possibly up to 8 years in northern latitudes. They spawn in autumn, and females carry the eggs until April/May when they hatch and the pelagic larvae are released. Total adult length is about 15cm. This species inhabits areas of soft, muddy sediment with a depth range from 20-1300m. Prawns migrate vertically at night to feed on zooplankton. Northern prawn are heavily predated on by fish and marine mammals.
Stock Information
This fishery corresponds to SFA area 8 (Esquiman Channel), although it is assessed by DFO as part of the larger St Lawrence stock. Most of the stock abundance indicators for 2009 were at or above the mean for the past 20 years. Stock status is considered to be good, although local variations in exploitation rates are being monitored to provide responsive management and, maintain the stocks in a healthy state. TACs for 2010 were recommended to remain static for SFA 8, despite a decrease in stock size. The total TAC for the St Lawrence stock is around 36,000t.
Capture Information
Demersal nets may be towed between 2 boats as in pair-trawling, or one boat may tow more than one net as in twin or multi-rig otter trawling. It is not uncommon for some boats to tow up to 8 or 10 nets. Scientists have recommended the implementation of sorting grids or other means to reduce bycatch of non-target fish. Grids are compulsorily fitted in nets in Norwegian, Canadian and US waters.
Alternatives
(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)
Read what the consumer pages of the Good Fish Guide say about this species.