When is Shrimp Season? A Guide to Understanding Shrimp Harvesting Seasons

Shrimp is one of the most popular seafood options around the world. Their sweet, succulent meat makes them a delicacy in many cuisines and cultures. But when can you actually get your hands on fresh, in-season shrimp? The answer depends on where you live and the type of shrimp you’re looking for.

In this article we’ll break down everything you need to know about shrimp seasons – when they occur how they’re determined. and where to get shrimp fresh off the boat!

An Overview of Shrimp Seasons

Shrimp seasons vary by location, but they generally follow natural cycles and environmental factors like water temperature and salt content.

In the Northern Hemisphere, shrimp are most abundant in late spring through early fall when waters are warmer. Peak seasons are:

• Gulf of Mexico – Spring/early summer (May-July) for brown shrimp; late summer/fall (August-December) for white shrimp
• Southeast U.S. Atlantic – Spring through fall, with seasonal peaks
• Northeast U.S. Atlantic – Late spring through fall

Colder regions like the US. Pacific Northwest see peak shrimp seasons in summer months And some Southern Hemisphere locations, like Australia, can harvest shrimp year-round in warm waters.

How Shrimp Seasons Are Determined

Shrimp seasons and catch dates aren’t random – they’re set based on careful monitoring of shrimp populations, sizes, and environmental factors.

• Scientific monitoring – Fisheries agencies take samples from shrimping grounds, recording the number, size, and species of shrimp. This data helps estimate the health and volume of the stock.

• Environmental factors – Water temperature, salinity, oxygen content, and other variables impact shrimp development and lifespan. Tracking this data helps predict shrimp growth.

• Economic considerations – Season dates balance the needs of shrimp populations and fishermen. Opening too early wastes small shrimp; too late loses revenue.

• Public input – Commercial fishermen, seafood councils, and other stakeholders give opinions on proposed seasons.

These factors allow agencies to pinpoint the ideal time for shrimp to reach maturity and optimize catches.

When is Shrimp Season in Different Regions?

Here’s a breakdown of approximate shrimp seasons for some major commercial shrimping areas:

Louisiana

• Inside waters:
  • Spring (brown shrimp): May-July
  • Fall (white shrimp): August-December
• Outside waters: Year-round, except a winter closure

Louisiana’s shrimp seasons are set by the state Wildlife and Fisheries Commission based on LDWF scientific data. The season opens when sampling shows enough market-size shrimp are available.

North Carolina

• Internal coastal waters:
  • Browns: May-July
  • Whites: March-November
  • Pinks: April-December
• Ocean waters: Year-round

NC’s shrimp season relies more on white and brown shrimp found in estuarine areas like Pamlico Sound. The season is managed by the NC Division of Marine Fisheries using test trawls.

Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf’s prime shrimping spans from Texas to Florida. Seasons include:

• Browns: May-July
• Whites: June-November
• Pinks: Spring and fall

Seasons are set by NOAA Fisheries and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council based on research surveys.

U.S. South Atlantic

The Atlantic seaboard from North Carolina to Florida sees varied shrimp seasons:

• NC: March-December
• SC: Spring and fall peaks
• GA: March-December
• FL: Spring and fall peaks

Atlantic seasons are longer due to multiple shrimp species. State agencies determine seasons individually.

U.S. Pacific Northwest

Oregon and Washington’s small shrimp fisheries center around one main species – ocean pink shrimp. The short seasons run from April to October when shrimp move closer to shore. Exact dates are set annually.

How to Get the Freshest Shrimp In-Season

Trying shrimp at the peak of it’s season ensures delicious, high-quality meat. Here are tips for finding fresh, in-season shrimp:

• Buy local – Check menus and seafood counters for shrimp caught in your area to ensure the freshest catch.

• Know the season – Consult local fisheries agencies for shrimp season info for your region. Avoid off-season shrimp which is likely frozen.

• Ask questions – Don’t be afraid to ask seafood vendors where and when their shrimp was caught. They should know the details.

• Time it right – Plan shrimp dishes and seafood restaurant outings during the peak harvest times in your area.

• Go off the boat – Look for dockside shrimp boats in coastal towns selling just-caught seafood.

• Harvest yourself – Recreational shrimping licenses allow you to catch small amounts in season.

Following shrimp seasons ensures you get plump, delicious shrimp while supporting local fishermen. So consult a shrimp season calendar for your area and enjoy shrimp at its seasonal best!