Today, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced a delay in the opening of shrimp season in portions of shrimp management zones 1 and 3 from Monday, August 24, 2020, to Friday, September 11, 2020. 

The opening is as follows:

The portion of Shrimp Management Zone 1, known as the Biloxi Marsh, and the portion of Shrimp Management Zone 3, known as the Mermentau River, will be delayed.  These portions of state inside waters, as described below, will open at 6:00 a.m. September 11, 2020:

The secretary has been notified of recent biological data that could negatively impact the Louisiana commercial shrimp industry.  The large abundance of juvenile white shrimp that have migrated into portions of state inside waters have rapidly increased.  The opening of these state inside waters could be detrimental to the commercial industry as the possession count for white shrimp is currently 100 shrimp per pound and the opening of these waters could result in the increased mortality of sub-legal white shrimp. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is responsible for managing, conserving, and promoting the wise utilization of Louisiana’s renewable fisheries resources. The secretary has determined that the best way to ensure utilization of the resource is to keep these waters closed as it is necessary to protect developing white shrimp. The Secretary has determined that a delay in the opening of these remaining areas may improve that utilization rate.

A declaration of emergency adopted by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission on August 6, 2020, authorized the Secretary of LDWF to delay or advance the opening dates of shrimp season if biological and/or technical data indicate the need to do so.  Notice of any opening, delaying or closing of a season by the Secretary will be made by public notice at least 72 hours prior to such action.

Click here, or see above for a map detailing this opening.

For more information, contact Peyton Cagle (337) 491-2575 or pcagle@wlf.la.gov.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. LDWF receives no state general funding and depends on license sales as a major funding source.  Help us protect your hunting and fishing heritage while preserving habitat, wildlife, and aquatic resources by purchasing your license at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive email or text alerts signup here