The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources has set the opening date of the 2018-2019 shrimp season in state territorial waters for 6 a.m. Wednesday, June 6.
All regulations of the MDMR will be in full force and effect, and all boats engaged in catching or transporting shrimp from Mississippi waters must be licensed or permitted by the MDMR before beginning operations.
“Seafood is part of the culture and history of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Generations of families have worked in this industry, and the opening day of shrimp season is something we look forward to every year,” said Melissa Scallan, Public Affairs Director for the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. “It is a great feeling to see the boats in the Mississippi Sound and know that longstanding tradition continues.”
Recreational and commercial shrimp season north of the Intracoastal Waterway will close at midnight on Dec. 31, 2018. In areas south of the Intracoastal Waterway and west of the Gulfport Ship Channel, shrimp season will close at midnight on April 30, 2019. Licensed live-bait shrimping is open year-round in designated areas.
In addition, Marine Patrol officers will be available to perform dockside courtesy inspections of Turtle Excluder Devices upon request of shrimpers. Shrimpers requesting courtesy inspections should contact Marine Patrol at 228-523-4134.
For specific information, call the Mississippi Shrimp Information Hotline at 866-938-7295 or the MDMR at 228-374-5000.
