Coast shrimpers return to waters for opening of 2026 shrimp season

After months of preparation, shrimpers across the Coast are heading back out on the water as the 2026 shrimp season gets underway.

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources has officially opened shrimp season in state waters, allowing both commercial and recreational shrimpers to return to the Coast. Ryan Bradley with MS Commercial Fisheries United said, “Shrimpers spend months and months getting ready. They have to pick their boats up out the water, paint the bottom annually, mend their nets, and get their boats ready to go. Our shrimpers are facing a lot of difficulties this year with high fuel prices. We’re encouraging the public to go out and support our local fishermen, buy shrimp straight off the boat when you can. You can find our shrimp boats docked in Biloxi, Pass Christian, Ocean Springs, Bayou Caddy. It’s something really unique that we can do here in Mississippi, so don’t take it for granted.”

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources will continue monitoring shrimp populations throughout the season to help protect marine life and ensure sustainable harvests, including the protection of juvenile shrimp. Quality Poultry and Seafood Manager Troy Rosetti said, “We’re hoping for a great season. Right now, Louisiana’s shrimp season has been open for about two weeks and they’re catching more shrimp than they’ve ever caught. The shrimp are looking smaller, but it’s more than they ever caught. We hope that transfer to our waters the next couple of days. It looks like it is going to be the same as last year, when it comes to the pricing, even though fuel is up.”

All vessels harvesting or transporting shrimp must be properly licensed before heading out. Fresh gulf shrimp could hit seafood markets and restaurants within the next few days.