The Gulf of Maine northern shrimp fishery has been closed since 2014, with the moratorium on fishing extended year by year - and 2024 will be no exception.
However, despite the decade-long moratorium, stock levels have not improved, leading the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to consider a shift in its approach to managing the fishery.
Instead of reviewing the moratorium on a yearly basis, it is now considering placing an indefinite moratorium on shrimp fishing in the Gulf of Maine until such time as signs of recovery are detected.
To support this, the Commission is planning to implement a new stock monitoring tool, the "wake-up index", for Gulf of Maine northern shrimp.
"This action is in response to the northern shrimp stock remaining at low levels of biomass over the past decade despite the fishing moratorium, first implemented in 2014," the Commission said in a press release.
"The 2023 data update revealed new time series lows for indices of abundance, biomass, and recruitment. Additionally, environmental conditions for the species remain unfavorable with high water temperatures and increased predation in recent years compared to historical levels."
The proposed wake-up index would trigger a more in-depth evaluation of stock health if activated, potentially leading to the reopening of the shrimp fishery, the Commission said.
The Commission's Shrimp Section is also exploring an industry-based research program to replace the suspended Summer Survey, although it notes that other surveys will continue to provide information on shrimp stock status in the meantime.
A final decision on the proposed changes will depend on the outcome of the proposed monitoring tools and assessments, the Commission said.
