2011 Spring Shrimp Season Opening Dates

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has set spring shrimp season dates — but says Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham can change them if high rivers or spillway openings threaten the harvest.The commission set dates Thursday from May 6 to May 23, based on biologists' expectations of when at least half the inshore brown shrimp will number 100 or fewer per pound.

The May 6 opening is in a central area from the Atchafalaya River to the western shore of Vermilion Bay. An area just east of that will open May 13, most of the remaining coast on May 16, and the easternmost part of Zone 1 on May 23.

A map and details are on the department's website.