When Does Shrimp Season Close in Louisiana in 2022?

Biologists from the LDWF have been keeping an eye on the state’s estuaries and nearshore waters to make suggestions for when the fall shrimp season should start. They have also taken trawl samples and recorded changes in hydrological parameters. These results were used to calculate a date when white shrimp will reach marketable size.

The Commission gave the Secretary of the Department the power to change these opening dates and close any part of Louisiana’s waters to protect small, juvenile white shrimp if biological and technical data show that it is necessary or if enforcement issues arise. The Commission also gave the Secretary the power to stop shrimp farming in all or part of the state’s waters if biological samples show a lot of small, illegal white shrimp. The Secretary can also reopen any area that was closed to shrimp farming when it’s no longer needed. If the Secretary decides to open, delay, or close a season, the public will be told at least 72 hours in advance.

Federal Turtle Excluder Device (TED) rules say that skimmer net fishermen whose boats are less than 40 feet long must limit the number of times they can be towed. The longest time for a tow is 55 minutes from April 1 to October 31. From November 1 to March 31, the longest time is 75 minutes.

R. S. 56:498 says that the average number of saltwater white shrimp in each cargo lot can’t be more than 100 whole specimens per pound, except from October 15 to the third Monday in December.

Shrimping is an important industry and pastime here in Louisiana. Our state is one of the nation’s leading producers of shrimp, providing jobs for thousands of people. With so much activity centered around shrimp seasons, many Louisianans wonder – when does shrimp season close in 2022?

An Overview of Louisiana’s Shrimp Seasons

Louisiana generally has two main shrimp seasons each year

Spring/brown shrimp season – This season usually runs from May through July and targets brown shrimp
Fall/white shrimp season – The fall season focuses on white shrimp and typically opens in mid-August, running through mid-December. Some state waters remain open into January.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) manages the opening and closing of shrimp seasons each year. Season dates can vary depending on shrimp populations and size.

Closures typically occur when populations and growth are monitored and found lacking. By closing the season temporarily young shrimp are protected so they can grow to more marketable sizes.

Specific opening and closing dates are announced each season by LDWF. Generally, Louisiana’s inside waters (areas closer to shore) close earlier than outside waters that extend further into the Gulf of Mexico.

When Will the 2022 Spring Shrimp Season Close?

For the 2022 spring/brown shrimp season, LDWF has announced closures for inside waters effective June 30.

According to recent data collected by LDWF biologists, there has been an increase in small, young white shrimp within inside waters this year. To protect these juvenile shrimp and allow them time to grow, all state inside waters from the Louisiana/Mississippi line west to the Louisiana/Texas line will close on June 30.

The closure includes popular shrimping grounds like Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Borgne, Lake Boudreaux, and Lake Mechant.

Which Waters Will Remain Open?

While inside waters are closing, some Louisiana state waters will remain open after June 30:

The open waters of Breton and Chandeleur Sounds as bounded by the double rig line.
All state outside waters seaward of the Inside/Outside Shrimp Line.

These areas primarily include Louisiana’s offshore federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico, where larger shrimp congregate. LDWF will continue monitoring populations in these waters and close them if needed.

There is also an important size restriction to note – saltwater white shrimp must measure 100 count (100 whole shrimp per pound) or larger to be legally harvested in all open waters. LDWF will be watching for compliance.

What to Expect for the 2022 Fall Shrimp Season

The upcoming fall shrimp season will again focus on white shrimp found in both inside and offshore waters. We can expect the season to open sometime in August as usual.

However, the exact 2022 fall shrimp season opening and closing dates have not yet been set by LDWF. The department will make announcements regarding the fall season sometime in mid-summer.

Historically, the fall white shrimp season may start closing for inside waters as early as late September. But again, official dates won’t be established until later this year after surveying shrimp populations.

Why Are Shrimp Seasons Closed?

While closures can be disappointing for shrimpers, they are an important part of sustainable management by LDWF. By closing waters temporarily, LDWF biologists are protecting and cultivating future stocks.

Specifically, closures aim to:

Allow small, juvenile shrimp to grow to larger and more valuable sizes before being harvested.
Prevent overharvest that could damage shrimp populations.
Collect data on size, growth, and health of populations for research and planning purposes.

Well-managed shrimp seasons ensure our shrimp supply, vibrant shrimping industry, and long-term way of life in Louisiana. Temporary closures are investments in the future.

LDWF continues monitoring shrimp populations year-round. By giving shrimp time to multiply and grow, we can help provide excellent shrimping for generations to come.

So while we’ll temporarily hang up our nets, the closure means great shrimping is in store when waters reopen. We can look forward to more successful shrimp seasons ahead in Louisiana!

when does shrimp season close in louisiana 2022

A Fisheries Newsletter by Julie Anderson Lively

when does shrimp season close in louisiana 2022

Season openings are as follows:

The road will open at 6 a.m. from the state line between Mississippi and Louisiana going west to the eastern shore of South Pass on the Mississippi River. m. August 8, 2022, except for the areas listed below, which will start opening at 6 a.m. m. August 15, 2022: From a spot where the eastern shore of the MRGO meets the Shell Beach Cut at 29 degrees 51 minutes 29 seconds 40seconds north latitude, 89 degrees 40 minutes 37. going west 99 seconds until you reach a point where Shell Beach Cut and the south shore of Lake Borgne meet (29 degrees 52 minutes 00). 35 seconds north latitude, 89 degrees 40 minutes 25. From there, go east and north along the southern shore of Lake Borgne and the western shore of the Biloxi Marsh until you reach Pointe Aux Marchettes, which is 29 degrees 59 minutes 26 seconds west longitude. 87 seconds north latitude, 89 degrees 34 minutes 44. north to Malheureax Point (30 degrees 04 minutes 40 seconds northeast); from there, northeast to 57 seconds north latitude, 89 degrees 28 minutes 46. 5 minutes and 59 seconds west longitude; from there, go southeast to a point on the western shore of Three-Mile Pass (30 degrees 03 minutes 00 seconds west longitude). 00 seconds north latitude, 89 degrees 22 minutes 23. from there northeast to a point on Isle Au Pitre (30 degrees 09 minutes 20 seconds west longitude); turn northeast from there. 50 seconds north latitude, 89 degrees 11 minutes 15. 50 seconds west longitude), which is a point on the double-rig line as shown in R S. 56:495. Following the double rig line south until it meets the MRGO (29 degrees 40 minutes 40 seconds), then turn around and go back north. 11 seconds north latitude, 89 degrees 23 minutes 07. at a longitude of 71 seconds west; from there, go northwest along the eastern shore of the MRGO to the starting point.
The red Channel Buoy Line will open at 6 p.m. and go from the eastern shore of South Pass on the Mississippi River west to the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel at Eugene Island. m. August 8, 2022.
From the red Channel Buoy Line that marks the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel at Eugene Island west to the state line between Louisiana and Texas, the channel will open at 6:00 a.m. m. August 8, 2022, except for the areas listed below, which will start opening at 6 a.m. m. August 15, 2022: From a spot on the northern/southern line for shrimp and the western shore of the Mermentau River at 29°43′46′′ 14 seconds north latitude, 93 degrees 00 minutes 40. 50 seconds west longitude; from there, go north along the western shore of the Mermentau River until you reach Catfish Locks, which is 29 degrees 51 minutes 47 seconds away. 31 seconds north latitude, 92 degrees 50 minutes 57. east for 25 seconds along longitude 29 degrees 51 minutes 44 seconds; then southeast through Catfish Locks until it meets the eastern shore of the Mermentau River (29 degrees 51 minutes 44 seconds). 20 seconds north latitude, 92 degrees 50 minutes 52. 98 seconds west longitude); then go south along the eastern shore of the Mermentau River until you reach a point where it meets the shrimp inside/outside line (29 degrees 43 minutes 46 seconds). 33 seconds north latitude, 93 degrees 00 minutes 31. 71 seconds west of longitude; from there, west along the shrimp inside/outside line to the starting point

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

Tow Time Regulations Reminder

White Shrimp Count Remainder

R. S. 56:498 says that the average number of saltwater white shrimp in each cargo lot can’t be more than 100 whole specimens per pound, except from October 15 to the third Monday in December.

2023 Shrimp Season opens with declined participation

FAQ

How long is shrimp season in Louisiana?

The spring inshore season usually begins in early to mid-May, and may extend into July. The fall inshore season usually begins near mid-August and typically extends into December.

What is the recreational limit for shrimp in Louisiana?

Seasons are announced prior to their openings by the LDWF (see regulations). Recreational limits is 100 pounds for trawls 16 feet and under and 250 pounds for trawls over 16 feet but no more than 25 feet, per day per boat. Shrimp cannot be sold or used in commerce. Certain mesh sizes are required (see regulations).

What is the season for Gulf shrimp?

There are five species of Gulf shrimp: brown, white, pink, royal red and rock. A shrimp’s life cycle is approximately one year. Gulf shrimp are in season year-round, with peak season being May – September.

What season is shrimp season?

White Shrimp balance things out with a peak season that runs from May through November. And while they can be found more easily along the Gulf Coast year round, Brown Shrimp reach their peak season from June through August making them the perfect choice for a summer vacation or a warm weather cookout.

When does shrimp season close in Louisiana?

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the 2022 spring inshore shrimp season will close at official sunset on Thursday, June 30, 2022, in all state inside waters from the Mississippi/Louisiana state line westward to the Louisiana/Texas state line See the map above detailing this closure or click here.

When will shrimping reopen in Louisiana?

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced that the portion of state outside waters between the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel at Eugene Island westward to the western shore of Freshwater Bayou Canal shall reopen to shrimping at 6:00 a.m. on May 10, 2021.

How does the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries Commission determine shrimp seasons?

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission sets shrimp seasons for Louisiana’s state waters by area according to LDWF’s recommendations based on environmental conditions and the growth rates, distribution, and abundance of shrimp. They also consider input from the Shrimp Task Force and other stakeholders.

When does shrimp season close in Mississippi?

All regulations of the MDMR will be in full force and effect, and all boats engaged in catching or transporting shrimp from Mississippi waters must be licensed or permitted by the MDMR before beginning operations. Recreational and commercial shrimp season north of the Intracoastal Waterway will close at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2022.