The annual Spot Prawn Festival in Vancouver is set to take place on May 31 at Fisherman's Wharf in False Creek, but this year's celebration occurs against a backdrop of significant challenges for the industry. The price of spot prawns has dropped by more than 30 percent, largely due to tariffs imposed by China, which typically purchases 65 to 70 percent of the catch.
Industry Struggles
Katie Lindsay, marketing manager for the Pacific Prawn Fisherman's Association (PPFA), noted that the fishery is facing tough times. "We are struggling big-time, down a significant portion, and so the margins are just getting tighter and tighter for our fishery," she said. Unlike lobster and crab, spot prawns were not included in recent tariff negotiations, leaving the industry without relief.
Festival Details
Now in its 20th year, the festival is a partnership between the PPFA and the Chefs' Table Society of B.C. (CTS). It marks the start of the spot prawn season with an outdoor party featuring seafood chowder for $12, cooking demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a Spot Prawn Brunch with a tasting menu of six dishes for $85. Two seatings are available at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Participating chefs include David Lee of the Vancouver Aquarium, Malindi Taylor and Alex Guido of Fanny Bay Oyster Bar, Ysmael Media and Catalino III Javier of Halina Modern Filipino Kitchen + Bar, and Kailash Chandra of Sula Indian restaurants. Chandra will serve a dish inspired by South Indian Mangalorean cuisine, featuring coconut and raw mango, served with seeraga samba rice and fried sandige.
Short Season
The spot prawn season is notoriously brief. Last year, it lasted only 27 days, the shortest on record, compared to the typical 35 to 45 days. The season's length is determined by the number of spawning female prawns collected by samplers on fishing boats. When too many areas along the coast are closed, the fishery shuts down.
Executive director of CTS, Shawna Gardham, encourages the public to attend: "People can enjoy the ticketed brunch event or simply come down and watch the demo stage and buy fresh prawns from the fishers and go home and try their hand in preparing the B.C. delicacy. Great energy at the wharf!"
