As the Louisiana fishery kicks off in early May, and the Texas fishery closes on 15 May, this year's U.S. Gulf of Mexico shrimp harvest is facing stagnant prices and a decline in fleet size.
"From a value prospective the shrimp look to be very good," said Martin Bourgeois, shrimp biologist program manager for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. "Brown shrimp landings over last four years have declined significantly, while shrimp landings have risen, primarily due to economics, because brown shrimp are typically smaller and white shrimp demand a better price. This year conditions are less than ideal but not detrimental. River stages are low compared to last year, and water temps are good."
Gulf shrimp landings from January to March nearly reached 11 million pounds. In 2008, they totaled 118.4 million pounds, a decline from the 2004-07 annual average of 140.8 million pounds.
Louisiana leads the country in domestic shrimp production, with 57.8 million pounds hauled in 2008. However, that number represents less than 5 percent of total annual U.S. shrimp consumption, which is dominated by imported product.
There are currently about 5,000 active Louisiana shrimpers, a 75 percent decline since the fishery's heyday in the mid-1980s. Texas has embarked on government-led programs to reduce its number of shrimp boats by purchasing the licenses of more than half the fleet, or 1,800 inshore shrimpers.
"Fishermen these days are facing economic issues of rising foreign imports, devalued prices and high vessel insurance, so many of them are taking land jobs just to feed their families," said Bourgeois. "One disturbing price list revealed that 10-15s have dropped to a USD 1.50 a pound. Shrimp of that size 10 years ago were probably valued at USD 10 a pound."
The combination of stagnant prices and rising operating costs have contributed to an average 40 percent drop in revenue for shrimpers.
Raw, shell-on, headless Gulf domestic browns are currently averaging USD 5 a pound for 16-20s, USD 4.70 for 21-25s and USD 4.50 for 26-30s. Gulf domestic whites are averaging USD 4.70 for 16-20s, USD 4.60 for 21-25s and USD 4.40 for 26-30s. Average prices for 2008 were significantly higher, with domestic browns fetching USD 6.70 for 16-20s and USD 5.75 for 21-25s, while domestic whites commanded USD 6.60 for 16-20s and USD 5.65 for 21-25s.
May 14, 2009
