Consumers can expect higher shrimp prices this year

Mississippi waters recently reopened for shrimp season.

Over at Quality Poultry and Seafood in Biloxi, they have more than 75 years of experience in selling fresh seafood in their market.

They are optimistic for a plentiful shrimp season. Past years were affected by the Bonnet Carre Spillway and fresh water intrusion.

One concern for the market is how shrimper’s fuel cost will impact their prices. Shrimpers must now pay more than ever before they head out on the water. Quality Poultry and Seafood Business Manager Jim Gunkel said, “Prices are up a little bit higher, but I’m not seeing a big increase yet in prices because of it. I’m sure the shrimpers will quit shrimping if the prices don’t go up. We just hope that we can come to a happy medium so that everybody can make money.”

Quality explains that it is always a challenge finding a price that makes it worthwhile for the shrimpers to catch that’s also affordable to the consumer.

The market just wrapped up a busy Memorial Day Weekend, but so far, their sales this year are average.