Shrimp Season

Trawls, skimmer nets and butterfly nets cannot be used for any purpose in state waters during closed season. Shrimp seasons are flexible and are fixed by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission based upon biological and technical data relative to shrimp populations in Louisiana waters. Generally, the spring inshore season will begin in early to mid May and may extend into July. The fall inshore season usually begins near mid-August and typically extends into December. The shrimp season in Louisiana's outside territorial waters is generally open year round EXCEPT for a closed season in portions of state outside waters which may be set during the late winter to early spring months usually beginning in January and extending into March or April. The shrimp season in the Federal waters of the Gulf outside (south) of Louisiana's territorial waters is usually open all year; these waters are controlled by the federal government. A federal shrimp vessel permit is required for all vessels fishing shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico EEZ.

Information concerning federal Turtle Excluder Device (TED) and Bycatch Reduction Device (BRD) requirements and exemptions can be obtained by contacting the National Marine Fisheries Service at (727) 570-5312 or website at www.nmfs.noaa.gov