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BC Spot Prawns are a great catch. 

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The PPFA is highly committed to the spot prawn resource to ensure that it is sustainable for the future. 

The PPFA is proactive in undertaking and collaborating on scientific research of benefit to conservation of prawn stocks and a sustainable fishery. The PPFA has projects underway that address Ghost Gear, Rockfish by-catch, and evaluation of the current management structure of the fishery. 

Spawner Index surveying
Spawn Surveys

Spot Prawn stocks are managed using an escapement-based model that estimates the number of potential spawners per standardized trap, known as the Spawner Index, while accounting for natural mortality. Growth and mortality data for this model are gathered through semi-annual fishery-independent surveys. Additionally, fishery-independent index surveys are conducted in the fall to assess stock status before spawning. During the commercial fishing season, independent observers sample a subset of the traps hauled to monitor stock status against in-season management targets.

The BC Spot Prawn industry contributes $650,000.00 annually to research and monitoring. These costs include surveys, at sea spawner index testing, and at sea catch monitoring. 

prawn fisherman
BC Spot prawn logo
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