Inshore shrimp season to close June 27, in a portion of Zone 1 and Zone 2, LDWF says

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced that the 2018 spring inshore shrimp season will close at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, from the Mississippi/Louisiana state line westward to the western shore of Freshwater Bayou Canal except for the following waters: Lake Pontchartrain, Chef Menteur and Rigolets Passes, Lake Borgne, the Louisiana portion of Mississippi Sound, and the open waters of Breton and Chandeleur Sounds.

A map detailing these closures is posted at the top of this story.

All state outside waters seaward of the Inside/Outside Shrimp Line, as described in R.S. 56:495 will remain open to shrimping until further notice.

Data collected in recent weeks by LDWF biologists indicate increased quantity, distribution and percentage of small, juvenile white shrimp within these waters. The decision to close these waters was made to protect these developing shrimp and provide an opportunity for growth to larger and more marketable sizes. The areas that remain open will continue to be monitored and will be closed when biologically appropriate.

LDWF would also like to remind shrimpers there is a size restriction on saltwater white shrimp taken in either inside or outside (offshore) waters of Louisiana.  Saltwater white shrimp must be 100-count (whole shrimp per pound) or larger. This size restriction applies to the taking or possession of such shrimp aboard a vessel, EXCEPT from October 15 through the third Monday in December, when there is no possession count on saltwater white shrimp taken or possessed. When more than 50 percent by weight of the saltwater shrimp taken or possessed is seabobs or brown shrimp, then the maximum allowable amount of undersized white shrimp taken or possessed should not exceed 10 percent by weight of the total saltwater shrimp taken or possessed.  If compliance issues develop, remaining open areas will be closed.

For more information, contact Peyton Cagle at (337) 491-2575 or pcagle@wlf.la.gov.