The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced that the 2023 fall inshore shrimp season will close at official sunset on Sunday, February 25, 2024, in the remaining state inside waters, except for the following:

• The open waters of Breton and Chandeleur Sound as bounded by the double-rig line described in R.S. 56:495.1(A)2.

See above or click here for a map of the closure area.

Recent biological sampling conducted by the department indicates a decrease in marketable white shrimp and that the average white shrimp size within these state inshore waters is smaller than the minimum possession count allowed by law. A closure is needed to protect the small white shrimp in these waters and provide an opportunity for growth to larger and more valuable sizes. R.S. 56:498 provides that the possession count on saltwater white shrimp for each cargo lot shall average no more than 100 (whole specimens) per pound, except from October 15 through the third Monday in December.

Notice of any opening, delaying, or closing of a season by the secretary will be made by public notice at least 72 hours before such action.

For more information, contact Peyton Cagle at (337)491-2213 or [email protected].