Separate stocks of Northern prawn (P. borealis) have not been clearly defined and may represent a single metapopulation within the Northwest Atlantic. However, there are some differences that provide a basis for delineating assessment and management units. Genetic differences have been found between shrimp in Div. 3LNO and those in Div. 3M and the Gulf of Maine, but not from those further north. Additional work is ongoing on clarifying the genetic relationships (NAFO 2015)​. Although both Canada and Denmark (in respect of Greenland and Faroe Islands) are contracting parties to NAFO, who is responsible for managing the stock, Denmark has set unilateral TACs in recent years (NAFO 2015), and Canada fishes only within its own EEZ in area 3L (Intertek Moody Marine, 2011) so are here considered as distinct management units.

Besides ten assessment units in Canadian waters: three other assessment units are currently considered in the NW Atlantic: Northern prawn – Western Greenland, Northern prawn – Flemish Cap and Northern prawn – Gulf of Maine.