THE UNITED STATES SHRIMP FISHERY OFF NORTHEASTERN SOUTH AMERICA (1972-74)1

The Guianll&-Brazil shrimp fishery ofT the northeastern coast ofSouth America is supported by four principal species-pink-spotted shrimp, Penaeus brasiliensis; brown shrimp, P. subtilis; pink shrimp, P. notialis; and white shrimp, P. schmitti. The areas offGuyana, Surinam, and western French Guiana were dominated by pink-spotted shrimp; brown shrimp were most prevalent ofT eastern French Guiana and Brazil, pink shrimp offGuyana, and white shrimp ofT Guyana, French Guiana, and Brazil, chiefly in shallow waters. U.S.-flag vessels landed 5.0 million pounds of shrimp during the second half of 1972, 13.6 million pounds in 1973, and 9.0 million pounds in 1974. In 1973 and 1974 U.S.-flag vessels took 50% and 39% of the total international landings. Mean annual catch rates for 1972,1973, and 1974 were 20.0, 26.0, and 18.3 lblh, respectively. Monthly catch rates peaked each year in March and April and declined gradually thereafter. The catch rates ofT Brazil were higher than ofT the Guianas. Most fishing was carried on at night and at depths of 21-35 fathoms. Small shrimp appeared to be recruited to the fishery mainly in April and October and mainly off French Guiana, Brazil, and Guyana. An exponential surplus yield model estimated the maximum sustainable yield to be 28.7 million pounds and a linear model estimated the maximum sustainable yield to be 27.1 million pounds. Maximum observed yield was 27.3 million pounds (1973).