Speckled Shrimp

1. What is it?

Speckled Shrimp, (Metapenaeus monoceros) spawn throughout the year with a life span of just 2 to 2.5 years. Limited fishery data are available for speckled shrimp making it difficult to evaluate the stock status. In terms of life history, speckled shrimp tend to occupy estuaries as juveniles and post larvae before moving into offshore waters as adults. Speckled shrimp are also known to form aggregations during spawning and feeding. Based on the above information, speckled shrimp have moderate vulnerability to fishing pressure.

2. How was it caught or farmed?

Speckled shrimp are caught in the demersal otter trawl. By-catch of marine turtles is documented in several shrimp fisheries in the Indian Ocean. Turtle Exclusion Devices (TEDs) are legally enforced, but often not applied. The discard rates are considered to be high and survival is considered to be poor. Bycatch within the fishery is also considered to be high. There is circumstantial evidence for negative ecosystem effects caused by shrimp trawling in India. Rocky grounds, muddy benthic habitats and seagrass as well as reefs are reported in this region and might be directly affected by bottom trawling.

3.Where is it from?

Speckled shrimp are caught in India and imported into South Africa. Overall information on management strategies for this fishery, was lacking or difficult to find. Based on the little information available, management appears to be marginally effective.