Shrimp harvest dips, but prices climb

The Louisiana shrimp harvest was slightly down in January and February compared to historic averages, but the price per pound was much higher, according to preliminary National Marine Fisheries Service data.

Consumers should see price relief later in the spring when the shrimp catch typically is much higher.

Nola.com reports larger shrimp – 15 or fewer per pound sold for about $9.25 per pound in February, compared to $6.45 in the same month last year, according to the federal data.

The year’s first two months typically account for only about 5 percent of Louisiana’s annual shrimp harvest. Landings usually surge in May and June with the start of brown shrimp season.

Consumers are likely to see some price relief then.