As inshore shrimp season kicks off in Louisiana, United States, many shrimpers from the Mississippi Coast have turned their boats towards the neighboring state in search of their prized catch. With Louisiana’s waters open for shrimping, it’s a promising start for those in pursuit of the delectable crustaceans.

Mississippi Shrimpers Face Delay

However, for shrimpers closer to home in Mississippi, the wait continues. Despite the eager anticipation, local waters remain closed, leaving shrimpers with little choice but to bide their time. The uncertainty lingers, with some predicting a delay of a few weeks before Mississippi’s shrimp season officially commences.

Minh Troung, a familiar face among shrimp enthusiasts with his Le-Shrimp van stationed on Beatline Road in Long Beach, shares insights into the current challenges faced by shrimpers. Reflecting on the past two years, Troung highlights the less-than-ideal conditions that have plagued the shrimp industry.

“The season is really bad,” Troung remarks, attributing the difficulties to factors such as excessive freshwater and strong winds leading up to the season’s opening. He elaborates, “Maybe too much freshwater, too much wind before the opening, and the freshwater coming in pushes the shrimp out. Last year, we didn’t have a good price either. Last year the price was low.”

Anticipated Opening Date

Despite the setbacks, Troung remains hopeful for a turnaround as he anticipates the opening of shrimp season in Mississippi around mid-June. However, he reflects on the previous year’s experience, suggesting that an early opening may not always be favorable.

“Last year, I felt like the season opened too early,” Troung recalls, hinting at the delicate balance between timing and optimal conditions for a successful shrimp harvest.