Today, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission set the opening dates for the remaining portions of state inshore waters based on information provided by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologists and public comments.
Season openings are as follows:
· The portion of Shrimp Management Zone 1 from the Mississippi/Louisiana state line to the southern shore of the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet to open at 6 a.m. Monday, May 21,
· The portion of Shrimp Management Zone 1 from the southern shore of the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet to the eastern shore of South Pass of the Mississippi River to open at 6 a.m. Wednesday, May 9.
· 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. Monday, May 21.
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, which occurs when a minimum of 50 percent of the inshore brown shrimp population reaches 100 count per pound or larger.
The Commission grants authority to the Secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries 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, delay or closure of a season by the Secretary will be made by public notice at least 72 hours prior to such action.
See map above or visit http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing/shrimp-seasonsfor a map detailing this opening.
For more information, contact Peyton Cagle (337) 491-2575 or pcagle@wlf.la.gov.