Gulf Shrimp Fishery to Re-Open Off Texas on July 15, 2018

WHAT/WHEN:

NOAA Fisheries announces federal waters from 9 to 200 nautical miles off Texas will open to
shrimp trawling beginning 30 minutes after official sunset, local time, on July 15, 2018,
corresponding to the time Texas opens its waters to shrimp trawling.

WHY THIS IS HAPPENING:

• The waters off Texas are closed to shrimp fishing annually to allow brown shrimp to
  reach a larger and more valuable size prior to harvest, and to prevent waste of brown
  shrimp that might otherwise be discarded because of their small size.
• The fishery closed May 15, 2018.
• The re-opening date for Texas waters is based on the results of biological sampling by the
  Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
• In addition, Texas regulations only allow a 60-day closure; the 60 day period expires July
  15.
   

About Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council prepares fishery management plans, which are designed to manage fishery resources within the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of Mexico.     

CONTACT: Susan Gerhart, 727-551-5602 Susan.Gerhart@noaa.gov