Louisiana’s shrimp season starts Monday: 3 zones, 2 times

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has set shrimp season to open Monday, but at two different times.

From the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel at Eugene Island westward to the western shore of Freshwater Bayou, commercial and recreational shrimpers can begin shrimping at 6 a.m. In the zones east and west of that area, the season will begin at 6 p.m.

During Thursday's commission meeting, one shrimper argued for a "traditional third Monday" opening. He told the commissioners that most female white shrimp in the Pontchartrain Basin are carrying eggs, and catching them now will prevent a second crop.

Another commercial shrimper said it's going to be a bad season whatever happens. He said if the shrimp are big enough to catch, the season should be opened.