The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the 2020 spring inshore shrimp season will close at 6 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2020, in all remaining inshore waters from the Mississippi/Louisiana state line westward to the Louisiana/Texas state line. This closure includes the Louisiana portion of Mississippi Sound as described below:
- The open waters of the Louisiana portion of Mississippi Sound are defined as beginning at a point on the Mississippi/Louisiana state line at 30 degrees 10 minutes 21.95 seconds north latitude, 89 degrees 26 minutes 12.99 seconds west longitude; thence southerly to a point at 30 degrees 08 minutes 03.07 seconds north latitude, 89 degrees 26 minutes 27.05 seconds west longitude; thence southwesterly to a point at 30 degrees 04 minutes 40.57 seconds north latitude, 89 degrees 28 minutes 46.59 seconds west longitude; thence southeasterly to a point on the western shore of Three-Mile Pass (30 degrees 03 minutes 00.00 seconds north latitude, 89 degrees 22 minutes 23.00 seconds west longitude); thence northeasterly to a point on Isle Au Pitre (30 degrees 09 minutes 20.50 seconds north latitude, 89 degrees 11 minutes 15.50 seconds west longitude), which is a point on the double–rig line as described in R.S. 56:495.1(A)2.
For a map detailing this closure, see the map above or click here.
The open waters of Breton and Chandeleur Sounds as bounded by the double-rig line described in R.S. 56:495.1(A)2 and all state outside waters seaward of the Inside/Outside Shrimp Line, as described in LAC 76:VII.370 will remain open to shrimping until further notice.
Data collected in recent weeks by LDWF biologists indicate an increased quantity of small, juvenile white shrimp within these waters. The decision to close these waters was made to protect these developing shrimp and provide opportunity for growth to larger and more marketable sizes. The areas that remain open will be monitored and closed if biologically appropriate.
LDWF reminds shrimpers there is a size restriction on saltwater white shrimp taken in the inside and outside (offshore) waters of Louisiana. Saltwater white shrimp must be 100 count (whole shrimp per pound) or larger. This size restriction applies to the taking or possession of such shrimp aboard a vessel, EXCEPT from October 15 through the third Monday in December, when there is no possession count on saltwater white shrimp, taken or possessed. When more than 50 percent by weight of the saltwater shrimp taken or possessed is seabobs or brown shrimp, then the maximum allowable amount of undersized white shrimp taken or possessed should not exceed 10 percent by weight of the total saltwater shrimp taken or possessed. If compliance issues develop, remaining open areas will be closed.
For more information, contact Peyton Cagle at (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.