2013 Shrimp Season Set,
More Changes Coming
In response to the low catch numbers in the pre-season shrimp research tows, the Commissioner has amended the trawl fishing hours to allow trawl fishing from sunrise to 3:00 PM on January 23rd in order to gather additional information on shrimp size, sex, egg stage and catch rates. This information will be used to determine future fishing hours, and industry should anticipate a modification to the fishing hours in the following fishing week.
The Department is holding a public meeting with shrimp trappers on February 1, 2013 in Wiscasset to discuss additional control measures based on pre-season trap surveys. A summary of the 2013 shrimp specifications for each fishery is below.
Trawl Fishery Specifications
• The first day trawlers may fish for or land shrimp is Jan. 23, 2013.
• Vessels can only fish for or land shrimp on Monday and Wednesday. All other days are prohibited.
• On open days (Mon. and Wed.), vessels can only fish for shrimp between sunrise – 3:00 p.m. Nets must be secured by 3:00 p.m.
• Vessels may land once per calendar day only.
• Fishery will close when 85% of 539.02 mt quota is projected to be harvested.
Trap Fishery Specifications
• May bait and set traps beginning midnight on Feb. 3, 2013.
• First haul day is Feb. 5, 2013.
• Vessels can only haul traps or land shrimp on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Prohibited on Sunday.
• Vessels may land a maximum of 800 lbs per calendar day.
• Vessels may land once per calendar day only.
• Fishery will close when 85% of 80.54 mt quota is projected to be harvested.