APPEND exe tsielon APPENDIX IIIf 
Atlantic coast 
The North Atlantic northern shrimp fishery was closed 
indefinitely on April 15, 12976, by the Atlantic States 
Marine Fisheries Commission. Stocks had been declining at 
an alarming rate and landings had dropped sharply since 
1972.) In 1975), 122.7 million pounds or’ shrimp worth oo 2 
million were landed. Recommendations for 1977, if any, will 
be made to the Commission after a review of the fishery dur- 
img’ the: Lady of) 19:7'6.. 
The northern shrimp is found off the coasts of Massa- 
chusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. The species migrates 
from coastal areas to about 25 miles offshore. In recent 
years the majority of the catch was made beyond the 3-mile 
territorial limit under State jurisdiction. Attempts to 
maintain catch levels in view of declining stock abundance 
resulted in increased landings of small (male) shrimp. This 
adversely affected stocks because of the unique biological 
characteristic of sex transformation from male to female 
during the shrimp's third year. The life span of the northern 
shrimp ranges from 4 to 6 years. 
The South Atlantic fishery is based on three major 
species--the pink shrimp, the white shrimp, and the brown 
shrimp--most of which are caught within 3 miles of the 
U.S. coast from North Carolina to southern Florida. Also 
fished are the rock shrimp and the royal red shrimp. White 
shrimp is the predominant species in terms of commercial 
harvest. Although most shrimp are caught during their first 
year, it is estimated they can live up to 2 years. 
In 1975 shrimp landings on the South Atlantic coast 
amounted to 24.9 million pounds worth $30.3 million. The 
fishery has generally prospered during its 100-year history 
without stock depletion. The fishery appears to be operating 
at or near the MSY. 
Pacific coast 
The Pacific coast fishery is based on species of the 
family Pandalidae. The northern pink shrimp is of commer- 
cial importance in Alaska. The ocean pink shrimp is the 
principal species of the lower Pacific coast (Washington, 
Oregon, and California) fishery. Pink shrimp has made up 
the bulk of the Pacific coast shrimp catch. 
In 1975 shrimp landings on the Pacific coast amounted 
to 136.9 million pounds worth $14.5 million. Alaska was 
the dominant State with landings of 98.3 million pounds 
(approximately three-quarters of the total Pacific catch). 
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