NOAA reports record February shrimp landings in Gulf of Mexico

More shrimp were caught in the Gulf of Mexico in February 2016 than any other February in the past 16 years, when record collecting began, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

In total, 3.7 million lbs. of shrimp were caught in February, 34.4 percent higher than the 15-year historical average of 2.7 million lbs. The total volume caught in January and February 2016 is also the highest reported for the first two months of the year since 2012. The 6.9 million lbs. landed in the Gulf is equivalent to the 15-year historical average, though that total represents only four to seven percent of the total annual catch of Gulf shrimp.

Prices for Gulf shrimp remain low, according to the Southern Shrimp Alliance, a regional industry organization in the southern United States. Ex-vessel prices for 41-50 count shrimp and 26-30 count shrimp were reported to be USD 1.70 (EUR 1.52) per lb. and USD 3.27 (EUR 2.93) per lb., respectively, according to the organization. For both count sizes, these are the lowest ex-vessel prices reported for any February since 2010, the group said.

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