LA Fisheries Forward

LDWF Announces Opening Dates for the Spring Inshore Shrimp Season

Search

2019 spring shrimp opening map

Today, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission set the opening dates for the spring shrimp season in state inshore waters. The dates were determined based on information provided by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologists and public comments.

Season openings are as follows:

  • The portion of state inside waters from the Mississippi/Louisiana state line westward to the eastern shore of South Pass of the Mississippi River to open at 6 a.m. May 27, 2019.
  • The portion of state inside waters from the eastern shore of South Pass westward to the western shore of Freshwater Bayou Canal to open at 6 a.m. May 20, 2019.
  • The portion of state inside waters from the western shore of Freshwater Bayou Canal westward to the Louisiana/Texas state line to open at 6 a.m. May 27, 2019.

 

LDWF biologists have monitored hydrological parameters and conducted weekly trawl samples throughout the state’s estuarine and nearshore waters since March to develop recommendations for the opening of the spring shrimp season.   Data were used to calculate a ‘crossover’ date, when a minimum of 50 percent of the inshore brown shrimp population reaches 100 count per pound or larger.

A portion of state outside waters between the Atchafalaya River and Freshwater Bayou remains closed at this time.  LDWF biologists are continuing to monitor the abundance and size of shrimp in that area, and the Secretary of the Department has the authority to open that zone when biological and technical data indicate conditions are appropriate to do so.

The Commission granted the authority to the Secretary of the Department to delay or advance these opening dates if biological and technical data indicate the need to do so, and; to close any portion of Louisiana inside waters to protect small juvenile white shrimp if biological and technical data indicate the need to do so, or enforcement problems develop.  Notice of any opening, delaying or closing of a season by the Secretary will be made by public notice at least 72 hours prior to such action.

See above or click here for a map detailing this opening.

For more information, contact Peyton Cagle (337) 491-2575 or  [email protected] .