Species
|
Spot Prawns, Pandalus platyceros |
Life history (biology, habitat, range) |
Range throughout California; largest shrimp found on the west coast
Hard-bottom habitat; depths of 150 to 1,600 feet
Protrandic hermaphrodite: begins life as a male and may change sex around fourth year
Spawning: typically occurs in September and female carries 1,400 to 5,000 eggs for four weeks
Sexually mature age 3 (around 1.5 inches carapace length); typically live up to 6 years
Feed on other shrimp, small molluscs, worms, sponges |
Stock assessment status |
No formal stock assessment; more abundant in B.C. and Alaska than in California; in California, more abundant north than south of Point Arguello |
Vulnerability |
N/A |
Protected/declared species interactions |
Unknown |
Gear types |
Traps; Spot prawns may not be taken or possessed using trawl nets |
Gear specifications |
Plastic oval-shaped traps or rectangular wire traps; traps shall be made of mesh with a minimum inside measurement of 7/8 in. squared
Vessel lengths range from 28 to 85 feet, with an average length of 47 feet
Each string of traps shall be marked with a buoy bearing the commercial fishing identification license number issued to the owner/operator |
Historic gear |
In 2003, California was the last state to phase out trawl fishing for spot prawns |
Associated conservation concerns |
Low bycatch and habitat impacts, although traps may cause some damage to fragile glass sponges and corals found in hard-bottom habitats |
Management, commercial |
Jurisdiction(s) |
California Fish and Game Commission |
FMP |
No |
Code sections |
14 CCR §180.0-180.5; FGC §8590 |
Restricted access |
3 Tiers of spot prawn trap permit (Tier 1, 2, or 3) and a general trap permit
Spot prawn trap permits can only be renewed under the category (Tier 1, 2, or 3) in which they were originally used
Only Tier 1 permits are transferable; Tier 2 or 3 permits not transferable and null and void upon death of permit holder
No more than 500 traps may be used for Tier 1 or Tier 3 permit, except that no more than 300 traps may be used within 3 miles of the mainland shore between Point Arguello and Cal-Ore border
No more than 150 traps may be used and no more than 5,000 pounds taken per year for Tier 2 permit
Daily logbook requirement
Tier 1 Capacity goal of 17 (met in 2005, 2006; exception granted 2007 when 18 permits issued) |
TAC |
No
Average landings weight was 428,409 lbs. for 1997-2007
2006 commercial landings weight was 320,100 lbs for a value of $3,495,380
(see graphs below) |
Current seasons, size limits, other restrictions |
Season closure: From Point Arguello to Cal-Ore border, early May to late July; from Point Arguello to Cal-Mex border, early November to late January |
Fishery closures/ MPAs |
No commercial take in state marine reserves or parks, except for Point Lobos and Big Creek according to stated season requirements |
Proposed regulations |
|
Recreational component |
Small recreational fishery in N Cal |
Gears fished |
Fathom plus traps may be used |
|
Code sections |
N/A |
|
Regulations |
N/A |
|
RecFIN/ CRFS info |
Unknown |
Social context |
Participation statewide |
Commercial fishing began in Monterey in 1993 when prawns were caught incidentally in octopus traps
Tier 1 permits issued in 2007: 18
Tier 2 permits issued in 2007: 3
Tier 3 permits issued in 2007: 10 |
Participation by area |
Fishery is mainly in Southern California; most vessels operate out of Monterey, Morro Bay, Santa Barbara, and Ventura
Informal fishing territories used by remaining 17 spot prawn fishermen |
Fishing and trade organizations |
Unknown |
Seafood industry context |
Product forms |
Sold fresh, frozen (at sea and at processor) |
Seafood selector status |
Spot prawn (U.S.) listed as a good alternative, although B.C. Spot prawn are a best choice |
MSC certification status |
N/A |
Potential for value added |
Unknown |
Miscellaneous |
Sources |
DFG Marine Region 2001. California’s Living Marine Resources: A Status Report. Spot prawn
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/status/spot_prawn.pdf |
