Today, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission set the opening dates for the fall inshore shrimp season based on information provided by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologists, input from the Louisiana Shrimp Task Force, and public comments.
Season openings are as follows:
- The portion of state inside waters from the Mississippi/Louisiana state line westward to the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel at Eugene Island as delineated by the red Channel Buoy Line to open at 6 p.m. August 5, 2019, and;
- The portion of state inside waters from the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel at Eugene Island as delineated by the red Channel Buoy Line westward to the western shore of Freshwater Bayou to open at 6 a.m. August 5, 2019, and;
- The portion of state inside waters from the western shore of Freshwater Bayou westward to the Louisiana/Texas state line to open at 6 pm August 5, 2019.
LDWF biologists have monitored hydrological parameters and conducted trawl samples throughout the state's estuarine and nearshore waters to develop recommendations for the opening of the fall shrimp season. Data were used to calculate a date when white shrimp will reach marketable size.
The Commission granted authority to the Secretary of the Department to delay or advance these opening dates 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 if enforcement problems develop. The Commission also granted authority to the Secretary to close to shrimping in all or portions of state outside waters if significant numbers of small, sublegal size white shrimp are found in biological samples and to reopen any area closed to shrimping when the closure is no longer necessary. Notice of any opening, delay or closure of a season by the Secretary will be made public at least 72 hours prior to such action.
