The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Northern Shrimp Section shortened the season this year to counteract results of recent seasons, which reduced the population of northern shrimp.
The Andersons coordinate with their customers through their Web site, rimrackfish.com. Padi said it usually takes a while for their customers to realize it's shrimp season, and she expressed concern it might be over before people have acted upon the opportunity.
She said an extended season is better for fishermen so they can provide a consistent supply over a longer period of time and catch the larger shrimp that arrive in February. A longer season is also better for processors and the fisheries managers, who would receive better and more reliable reporting, she said.
After a strong first week, Anderson said there were concerns the shrimp season would not survive the month. "I'd love to see it go into March," she said, adding she would support measures such as fewer landing days if it meant a longer season. "I'm OK with anything, so long as we can extend the season and protect the resources."
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