Species 
|
Pacific ridgeback prawn, Sicyonia ingentis |
Life history
(biology, habitat, range) |
Range from Monterey Bay to Cedros Island, Baja Cal; concentrated in the Ventura-Santa Barbara Channel area, Santa Monica bay, and off Oceanside
Depths ranging from less than 145 feet to 525 feet; occurs on substrates of sand, shell, and green mud
Maximum age of 5 year
Females reach a maximum carapace length of 1.8 inches; males 1.5 inches
Free spawners – as opposed to other shrimp which carry eggs; both sexes typically spawn during 1st and 2nd year and produce an average of 86,000 eggs; spawning occurs between June and October
Only non-pandalid landed community for human consumption |
Stock assessment status |
No formal assessment; FGC §2001 formal report recommended a formal survey in order to determine sustainability of fishery |
Vulnerability |
None known; prey species of groundfish, and ling cod |
Protected/declared species interactions |
Unknown |
Gear types |
Trawls, traps |
Gear specifications |
Single trawl
Vessel lengths range from 28 to 76 feet, with average of 45 feet
Minimum mesh sizes |
Associated conservation concerns |
Trawling alters soft-bottom habitat; bycatch of groundfish species |
Management, commercial |
Jurisdiction(s) |
California Fish and Game Commission |
FMP |
No |
Code sections |
14 CCR §§120-120.4, 180, 180.2, 180.5, 189(a); FGC §2001, 8405 |
Restricted access |
A control date of January 1, 1999, is established for the purpose of developing a restricted access spot, ridgeback, and golden prawn trawl fishery. Only those vessels which have made at least one spot, ridgeback, or golden prawn landing with trawl gear before this date may be considered for inclusion in the restricted access trawl fishery |
TAC |
No
Average landings weight was 521,000 lbs for 1997-2006
2006 commercial landings weight was 198,000 lbs for a value of $385,616
(see graphs below) |
Current seasons, size limits, other restrictions |
Season Closure: June 1 – Sept. 30
Prohibition of trawling within state waters – 3 miles from the mainland shore and islands
Minimum fishing depth of 25 fathoms
Operator of a vessel must use trawl nets to take ridgeback prawns in open waters
Unlawful to possess in excess of 1,000 pounds incidentally taken fish of any species per day during open season
Any amount of sea cucumbers may be landed with ridgeback prawns as long as vessel owner/operator possesses a sea cucumber permit
Incidental take of 50 lbs. of ridgeback prawns – or 15% by weight – is allowed during closed season
Logbook requirement |
Fishery closures/ MPAs |
No commercial take in state marine reserves or parks
No trawling shall be conducted in the cowcod closure areas defined in Title 14, CCR §150.06
No trawling shall not be conducted within District 19A |
Proposed regulations |
Population estimates in order to assess whether the resource is robust and able to support a continuing fishery |
Recreational component |
Small rec fishery in S Cal |
Species |
N/A |
Regulations |
N/A |
Social context |
Participation statewide |
47 Golden and Ridgeback prawn permits issued in 2007 |
Participation by area |
Range from Monterey Bay to Cedros Island, Baja Cal; concentrated in the Ventura-Santa Barbara Channel area, Santa Monica bay, and off Oceanside |
Fishing and trade organizations |
Unknown |
Seafood industry context |
Product forms |
Primarily sold as fresh whole prawns; do not freeze well; also landed live to supply a secondary live prawn market and to prevent discoloration from a black pigment that occurs post-death |
Seafood selector status |
N/A |
MSC certification status |
N/A |
Potential for value added |
N/A |
Miscellaneous |
Sources |
DFG Marine Region 2001. California’s Living Marine Resources: A Status Report. Ridgeback prawn http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/status/ridgeback_prawn.pdf |
