Local shrimpers hit the water for the first day of Shrimp Season

Dozens of shrimpers were up and ready to roll early this morning for the opening of shrimp season in state waters.

The Biloxi Small Craft Harbor was filled with several shrimp boats that just reported back from their morning run, but many returned to the harbor discouraged about the outcome.

Van Pham has been a shrimper for more than 30 years and he thinks the reason for the low numbers and small shrimp is because the season began too early. “I don’t know why they opened it too early this year. It’s supposed to be in June, but they opened early. We tried it out there, but it’s very small shrimp… 40-50, 50-60 count, and the big shrimp is 30 minutes, one to two pounds big shrimp, 16-20 that’s all.”

The annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony will take place at Maritime Industry and Seafood Museum in Biloxi Sunday at 2 p.m. to ensure a safe and bountiful season.