Shrimp Stock Management Consultation Report

Results from Consultation on Proposals

Report Name: / Shrimp Stock Management Consultation Report
Prepared by: / Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
In partnership with Marine Institute, Bord Iascaigh Mhara & Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority
Stage: / March 2014- Publication

Contents

1.Summary of Shrimp Responses

2.Shrimp Stock Advice

3.Conclusions from Shrimp Consultation

4.Appendix

  1. Summary of Shrimp Responses

A total of 92 submissions was received in the shrimp consultation.

As Table 4 shows, a catch rate trigger lacked credible support as a suitable management measure. Commentary with submissions indicated the rationale for opposition was primarily founded on practical fishing experience, namely the impact of weather fluctuations on swells and therefore catch rates, without being an indicator of the status of the stock.

The proposal to close the fishery on 1 February did not receive a wide level of support. However, the support for the 1 February date when combined with a March/early April date indicates that there would be a considerable level of support for a later spring closing date compared to 1 May (54% in total compared to 34%).

Commentary provided with submissions indicates that many feel that the winter commercial fishery in some locations is still quite active in February and into March, particularly as weather conditions can hamper fishing opportunities in the preceding months, and a closure at that time would have severe economic consequences. A number of submissions identified that the spring shrimp fishery subsidises lobster fishermen until the main lobster season commences in March.

Close on 1 February / %
Yes / 17 / 18%
No / 71 / 77%
Preferred alternative closing date?
March/Early April / 33 / 36%
1 May / 31 / 34%
Introduce a Catch Rate Trigger
Yes / 7 / 8%
No / 47 / 51%

Table 1.Results of Shrimp Reponses

A review of the submissions revealed mixed preferences for closing date by region and between inshore/offshore fishermen due to different patterns and locations of fishing (Irish South & West PO reported variations from its members fishing patterns). Grading of catch was supported by approximately 30% of respondents with some reports of processors voluntarily setting minimum sizes leading to grading. There were some concerns about survival of discarded catch following grading and a suggestion was made that a later opening date for the fishery would be more effective than grading. There were also some reports of local voluntary management measures (e.g. Galway Bay closure until September, 9mm grading in Cork and Kerry) which indicates a positive attitude is prevalent in the seafood sector to stock sustainability.

  1. Shrimp Stock Advice

The most recent stock advice for Shrimp comes from the Shellfish Stocks and Fisheries Review 2011 by the Marine Institute and BIM. The advice recommends changing the closing date to February 28 or earlier to protect mature female shrimp in early spring. The advice notes that there are generally 1-2 age classes in the stock at any one time and that stocks may be isolated in individual bays and at risk of over-exploitation of spawning stock. Therefore in season management of catch and effort based on catch rate indicators is also recommended.

  1. Conclusions from Shrimp Consultation

Shrimp have a short lifespan, are generally fished at 1 year old and recruitment to the fishery is understood to be variable. The commentary from fishermen in their submissions indicates local and seasonal variations in fishing patterns based on the movements of shrimp stocks in their locality. This may present limitations to the effectiveness of catch rate triggers on a national basis. The results of the consultation indicate a substantial level of support (54%) for an earlier closure date than 1 May.

  1. Recommendation

A closing date in mid-March would appear to fit with the pattern of fishing for those switching to lobster fishing at that time and balance the need to provide protection during the important spawning period. Therefore the closing date should be brought forward to 15 March.

In view of the local/seasonal patterns of shrimp fishing, future development of management measures should be conducted in partnership with the industry at an appropriate geographical scale.

  1. Appendix

How the consultation was conducted

The lobster & shrimp consultation documents were published online concurrently using the Department’s website for public participation. Submissions were accepted by post and email. An online survey was also trialled and attracted almost 25% of the responses.

In order to target fishermen directly, copies of the consultation documents were made available at the local offices of the marine agencies, including BIM, SFPA and the Marine Institute. A very small number of fishermen phoned the Department to have their views recorded, though all were encouraged to put their views in writing.

Advertisements were also placed in marine trade press, both in print and online.

How were the results reviewed

All submissions were required to provide contact information for validation purposes. Fishermen were asked to provide information on their fishing boat in order to verify that submissions were representative of legitimate commercial fishermen.

In recognition of the local nature of commercial pot fishing and for practical purposes, the submissions were recorded on the basis of the county in which each respondent resides. The views of fishermen on the proposals to change the landing sizes were recorded as well as any other comments or views which they chose to express either in writing or through follow-up communications (including by phone).

A preliminary review of the results was presented by DAFM to the marine agencies for commentary. Following feedback discussions, the consultation report was concluded by DAFMtaking account of advice received and presented to the Minister.

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