PORT ISABEL, Texas (RFD News) — Shrimping season is set to begin in the Gulf of America, and those in the shrimping industry are hoping for a strong year despite continued pressure from foreign competition.
The Gulf shrimp season runs from mid-July through late November before reopening in early December and continuing through mid-May.
Maria Jaross with the Texas Shrimp Association said crews are getting their boats ready while also focusing on policy issues affecting the industry.
“We’re working on a number of issues as we approach the opening of the shrimp season, which will be July 15th, and everybody’s getting their boats prepared for starting the big shrimp season. We’ve been closed since May 15th, and we’ll reopen on July 15th.”
One of the association’s top priorities is addressing foreign competition through stronger seafood labeling laws. Jaross said the group is meeting with Texas lawmakers to ensure consumers know when they are purchasing shrimp harvested from the Gulf.
“Well, labeling is a huge, huge issue because we believe that consumers have a right to know what they’re eating. And as it stands right now, there are certain bills in place, but we believe that they can be improved upon as we go because there’s a huge, huge difference between wild-caught shrimp and farm-raised shrimp that comes from countries many, many miles far away from here.”
Jaross added it is imperative for those who work on the water to stay engaged with legislation at both the state and federal levels as lawmakers consider future policy changes.
Association leaders said they plan to begin working with legislators on industry-related bills one week after the general election in November in preparation for the next Texas legislative session.
