Inshore shrimp season to close July 2, in a portion of Zone 1 and Zone 3

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the 2018 spring inshore shrimp season will close at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 2, 2018, in the following areas:

· The portion of Shrimp Management Zone 1 in Lake Pontchartrain, Chef Menteur and Rigolets Passes, Lake Borgne, and the Louisiana portion of Mississippi Sound.

· That portion of Shrimp Management Zone 3 in state inside waters from the western shore of Freshwater Bayou Canal westward to the Louisiana/Texas state line

For a map detailing these closures see map above or visit  http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing/shrimp-seasons.

All state outside waters seaward of the Inside/Outside Shrimp Line, as described in R.S. 56:495 and the open waters of Breton and Chandeleur Sounds as bounded by the double-rig line described in R.S. 56:495.1(A)2 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 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.