Reduction in effort and favorable environment helped to increase shrimp catch in Kuwait

Abstract

The 1988-1989 shrimp catch from kuwait waters was 5125 t, representing a 62% increase above the previous record of 3158 t in 1966-1967. Ninety-eight per cent of the record landing was comprised of Penaeus semisulcatus (Penaeidae). The attainment of optimal spawning-stock biomass by reduction in effort, protection of small recruits through delayed season opening, as well as strict enforcement of closed nursery areas, and occurrence of two strong recruitment pulses due to favorable environmental conditions in 1988 appear to be the major reasons for the increase. Unfavorable environmental conditions and far less effort expended in Metapenaeus affinis grounds appear to have adversely affected the 1988-1989 production and landings, respectively, of this species.