WDFW - Shellfish Regulations: shrimp

Puget Sound Shrimp

More than 80 shrimp species inhabit Washington waters. Only seven species though, are regularly captured for consumption by sport harvesters. Almost all sport shrimp harvest takes place in Puget Sound or its connecting waters.

All seven harvested species belong to the family Pandalidae, and share similar biology and life history. Shrimp of this family have a unique reproductive cycle, maturing first as males, then changing sex in later years to reproduce as females.

Puget Sound shrimp spawn in late summer or fall. Eggs develop in the female prior to spawning, and can be seen as a dark band just under the shell on the head. Shortly after mating, eggs are extruded to the underside of the abdomen, where they are fertilized by a packet of sperm previously obtained from the male, then attached to the female's specialized legs. The female carries the developing eggs until they hatch in early spring. Newly hatched shrimp larvae are small (about 3/16 of an inch, or 5mm), planktonic (free floating, unable to swim against currents), and bear only a superficial resemblance to adults.

About three months after hatching, larvae gradually start to take on the appearance and habits of adults. The larvae continue to develop, maturing as males within 18 months of hatching. They reproduce as males for one or two seasons before transforming into females for the next fall's mating season. Females reproduce for one or two seasons, and do not seem to survive long after their final brood is hatched (at age 4 or 5 years).

The proportion of shrimp changing sex from male to female varies from year-to year. A few individuals will skip the male phase and spend their entire lives as females. Recent studies indicate that increased fishing pressure or high natural mortality can induce males to change into females at a younger age, or completely skip the male phase. This reproductive strategy may help to ensure that there is an adequate supply of egg-producing females each year.

Shrimp are found primarily on or near the bottom, but make daily migrations through the water column in search of food. They have been found at depths greater than 1,000 feet, but are most frequently captured at depths of 30 to 300 feet.

Adult shrimp are omnivorous, feeding on marine worms, small crustaceans, large planktonic organisms, sponges, and dead animal and plant material. In turn, a variety of fish prey on shrimp, including cod, lingcod, hake, flounder, halibut, dogfish, skates, and other bottom fish.

NOAA Kodiak Laboratory webpage has a very good shrimp species comparison photo.

Spot Shrimp (Prawn)
Pandalus platyceros

Sidestripe Shrimp
Pandalopsis dispar

Dock (Coonstripe) Shrimp
Pandalus danae

Humpback (Coonstripe) Shrimp
Pandalus hypsinotus

Humpy (Coonstripe) Shrimp
Pandalus goniurus

Northern (Rough) Pink Shrimp
Pandalus eous

Ocean (Smooth) Pink Shrimp
Pandalus jordani

Shrimp Fishing Gear

Shrimpers in Puget Sound use pots of various sizes and designs. Pots are normally constructed with two or four entrance tunnels sloping gently inward to a circular opening of about three inches in diameter. Shrimp pots are available at many sporting goods stores, though many shrimpers choose to make their own. Whether you choose to buy or build your own pot, consult the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing in Washington regulations pamphlet for restrictions on pot design and mesh size.

Canned fish-flavored cat food is the most popular bait used for shrimping in Puget Sound. Baits such as fresh or frozen fish (whole or ground), clams, and oysters are also used with some success. Cat food cans should be punctured on both sides and ends and placed in the pot as bait. Cat food and other baits may also be placed in bait containers and secured to the bottom of the pot between the entrance tunnels.

Information on cleaning shrimp