MSC status

Certified as sustainable in November 2011.

Summary

Species: Atlantic seabob shrimp (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri):
Location: The fishery is prosecuted in the shallow coastal waters of Suriname out to a depth of about 33 metres and inshore to the 18 metres seabed contour. This fishery is located within the Guiana-Brazil Large Marine Ecosystem, covered by FAO statistical area 31 
Fishing methods: Twin rig otter trawl.
Vessels: 20
Number of fisheries: 1

Download the Suriname Atlantic Shrimp fishery fact sheet for A4 paper (PDF, 274 kb)

More about shrimp

The seabob shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri is a decapod crustacean – the only species of the genus Xiphopenaeus in the Western Atlantic. The species is typically found on mud or sand substrates in both marine and brackish waters, with adults reportedly able to tolerate fresher water than most penaeid shrimps, with high abundance often being associated with areas of river run-off, such as seaward of estuary mouths. The species is a relatively fast growing species, growing to a maximum of around 140mm although
typical adult sizes are considerably smaller (with females significantly larger than males). Typical lifespan for the species is around 18 months with maturity being reached relatively quickly, at around 24mm (carapace length) for females.

More about the fishing methods

The trawls are always used on flat and smooth bottom substrates and therefore there is no requirement for rock-hopper bobbins, meaning that the gear remains comparatively light. In the Suriname fleet, a small “try net” is also used to quickly and easily assess the potential catch of shrimp – both before and periodically during the haul.Four trawls (two of each side) are towed at the same time. These are towed from the ends of two outriggers, on port and on starboard side of the vessel, and the nets are towed by a single warp terminating in a crow-foot. The outrigger booms are at an angle of between 20° and 30° from horizontal. There are a number of reasons for using twin rig, such as:

• more efficient – higher catch rate than a single rigging using a single trawl with a similar drag;

• a wider net opening is possible with less drag;

• multiple trawls work better on the bottom than one large trawl;

• easier to manoeuvre (and sort) four small trawls

Fishery tonnage

Between 2001 and 2010 landings ranged between 8000-12000 Tonnes

Commercial market

Suriname product is sold into European and north American markets as peeled small meats used in salads, toppings and as breaded products.

Actual eligibility date

1 September 2010