Georgia’s Shrimp Season Closes as Challenges Loom
January 30, 2024 | 1 min to read
Commercial shrimpers faced challenges from foreign shrimp competition and high diesel fuel prices, impacting their profits, even as hauls exceeded the 20-year average. The shrimp harvest in Georgia state waters closed at 6:20 p.m. on Thursday, affecting areas within three nautical miles of shore, while federal waters remain open. In response to favorable data, Walter Rabon, the state’s Department of Natural Resources commissioner, extended the shrimp season to January 18.
Commercial shrimpers battled an influx of foreign shrimp and high diesel fuel prices that they said put a dent in their abilities to make a fair profit, despite average hauls weighing heavier than the 20-year average.
Georgia’s commercial and recreational food shrimp harvest in state waters closed at 6:20 p.m. on Thursday, a closure that only affects waters three nautical miles out to see from shore. Federal waters from three to 200 miles offshore remain open.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ commissioner, Walter Rabon, extended the shrimp season beyond the statutorily set closure date of Dec. 31 to Jan. 18 when data collected by the Coastal Resources Division showed robust average shrimp populations.
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