Inshore shrimp season to close Thursday across Louisiana

Spring inshore shrimp season will close at sunset Thursday across Louisiana, the state Wildlife and Fisheries Department said today.

An exception applies to the open waters of Breton and Chandeleur sounds in southeast Louisiana, which will remain open to shrimping until further notice.

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Data collected in recent weeks by Wildlife and Fisheries biologists indicate an increased quantity of small, juvenile white shrimp in inshore waters, the department said. The decision to close inside waters was made to protect these developing shrimp and provide an opportunity for growth to larger and more marketable sizes. The areas that remain open will be monitored and closed if biologically appropriate.