Louisiana officials extend white shrimp season

GULF OF MEXICO — Louisiana wildlife and fisheries officials say the shrimp season in the open waters of Breton and Chandeleur sounds will be extended until further notice.

Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries secretary Robert Barham says current data indicates that marketable quantities of white shrimp remain in those areas. He says by extending the shrimp season, he hopes to give added economic opportunities to shrimp harvesters, while still limiting risk to juvenile brown shrimp.

Preliminary data shows that Louisiana shrimp landings for 2010 were about 72.9 million pounds for a dockside value of $104.2 million. White shrimp landings accounted for 76 percent of the total landings and 79 percent of the value.

The opening dates for the 2011spring inshore shrimp season will be set by the wildlife commission at the May 5 meeting.

Source: Associated Press