Portland, ME – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Northern Shrimp Section approved a 140-day fishing season for the 2005-2006 northern shrimp fishery, a doubling of last year’s season. The approved season was based on recommendations of the Northern Shrimp Technical Committee and Advisory Panel.
“Our efforts to reduce fishing mortality over the last few years have led to a greater abundance of shrimp and record catches in the Gulf of Maine summer survey,” stated Section Chair George Lapointe from Maine. “A strong 2001 year-class has allowed the Section to expand the fishing season with the goal of rebuilding northern shrimp markets.”
The Section also made a commitment to set a 140-day fishing season for 2007, provided fishing mortality, landings, and the number of directed trips for shrimp do not exceed acceptable levels. Evidence of strong 2003 and 2004 year-classes show promise in continuing to rebuild the stock and enhance market conditions. “The Section is excited to make the commitment for the expanded season for two years, increasing economic benefits and stability to harvesters and processors, while also ensuring that our rebuilding efforts stay on track,” continued Mr. Lapointe.
The 2006 fishing season, which is the same for mobile and trap gear, will be open seven days a week from December 12, 2005, through April 30, 2006.
The northern shrimp fishery is jointly regulated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the States of Maine and New Hampshire through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Northern Shrimp Section. The cooperative management program has been in place since 1972 and is currently managed under Amendment 1 to the Northern Shrimp Fishery Management Plan.
For more information, please contact Braddock Spear, Northern Shrimp Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at (202) 289-6400, ext. 301 or bspear@asmfc.org.