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Shrimp, Spot (Trap Caught)

©B.Guild/ Charting Nature, www.chartingnature.com

HIGHLIGHTS

  • All spot prawn caught on the U.S. West Coast are caught using pots, which are considered to be the most sustainable fishing method.
  • Catches of spot prawns in recent years have been at near-record levels, with one million pounds landed each year in Alaska alone.

NOTHING SHRIMPY HERE

The spot prawn is the largest of the shrimp caught in the eastern Pacific along the coasts of Alaska and British Columbia. Reaching lengths of just under 12 inches, these shrimp are much larger than the average cocktail shrimp. Their large size makes them popular grilled or steamed and served whole, although they are also consumed raw as sushi.

Several species of big coldwater shrimp, which true seafood savants often enjoy raw, are caught primarily from Washington State to Alaska. Three species are fished commercially—sidestripe shrimp (Pandalopsis dispar), coonstripe shrimp (Pandalus hypsinotis), and spot prawn (Pandalus platyceros)—all of which may be marketed as spot shrimp or spot prawn. Of the three, P. platyceros is the predominant species.

Unlike other shrimp fisheries, which use trawl nets, the U.S. spot prawn fishery only uses pots. Coonstripe and sidestripe shrimp are both also caught by trawlers in the fishery targeting pink shrimp (P. jordani), although they generally comprise less than 10 percent of the catch. Most of the spot prawn catch is frozen and exported to Japan, but a growing number of chefs in the U.S. are choosing spot prawn for its unique, sweet taste and its texture. Large spot prawn, which can average eight to 12 head-on shrimp per pound, produce shell-on tails in the 21/25 and 26/30-size grade.

CONSERVATION NOTES

Of all shrimp fishing methods, pots have the fewest environmental impacts with virtually no bycatch and limited habitat damage. In the case of P. platyceros, moderate habitat damage is a concern because pots can damage the sensitive deepwater corals and glass sponges found in this prawn’s habitat. However, this method remains the most environmentally friendly method of catching shrimp.

Spot prawn fisheries are closed during spawning season and when females are bearing eggs. In addition, a strict program limits the number of fishermen and pots in the fishery. In both British Columbia and Alaska, catches of spot prawns in recent years have been at near-record levels, with landings of about 2,000 MT and 450 MT (4.5 million and one million pounds), respectively.

Overfishing appears to be occurring in the Alaskan spot prawn pot fishery. The British Columbia spot prawn fishery appears fully fished, and the status of all other coldwater shrimp fisheries is unknown.

IN SEASON

  • Alaska: A short, month-long season begins in October, although small openings can take place in the winter and spring if the entire quota is not taken in the fall
  • British Columbia: Summer

PRODUCT FORM

FRESH:

  • Live
  • Whole, head-on or tailed

FROZEN:

  • Whole, head-on or tailed

BUYING TIPS

  • Most spot prawn is frozen and exported to Japan, where eye appeal is a top priority. To ensure that spot prawn retains its brilliant red color, most of it is treated with a sulfite-based, antioxidant preservative.
  • Most spot prawn is frozen immediately on the boat, so its quality is consistently high.
  • Spot prawn is never cheap, but prices are best in fall, just after the Alaskan season ends.
  • Fresh or thawed spot prawn should feel firm and prawns should have few or no black spots.
  • Grading can vary among suppliers, so make sure you get an accurate count per pound and don’t rely on terms such as jumbo or extra large.