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The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has set two opening dates for the 2017 white shrimp season, splitting the state’s inshore waters into eastern and western zones.
Aug. 15 at 6 p.m. is the opening for waters west of the Mississippi state line to the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel Buoy Line. Waters west of that line will open to shrimpers Aug. 22 at 6 p.m.
The white shrimp season will continue until declared closed by WFC Secretary Charlie Melancon, a decision that will be based on biological data drawn from shrimp catches, usually some time in December.
The Commission reminds fishermen that federal Turtle Excluder Device regulations require skimmer net fishermen to limit tow times. From the first day of the season through Oct 31, tow times for vessels without TEDs are limited to 55 minutes each. After that tows can last as long as 75 minutes.
After a presentation by state biologists and receiving public comments, the Commission made its determination for opening dates during its Aug. 4 meeting.
Commissioners also noted that the Fishermen’s Gear Compensation Fund pays reimbursements on a limited basis for damage to gear caused by unreported obstructions in state waters.
Applications are available along with a list of already known locations on the Department of Natural Resources website.
Recent sites are also listed in LA SeaGrant’s Louisiana Lagniappe newsletter.
Only commercial fishermen earning more than 50 percent of their income from fishing are eligible to submit applications. •
