Mississippi's
Shrimp Fishery
Marketing
The shrimp industry has been an extremely vital part of the Mississippi's coastal development. Dockside value of Mississippi's annual shrimp harvest, according to National Marine Fisheries Service statistics for 2002, averages approximately $29.8 million. Mississippi's annual commercial landings average approximately 16.7 million pounds. In recent years, a rise in the amount of foreign shrimp being imported into the U.S. has caused the dockside price to decrease. However, Gulf of Mexico shrimp landed in Mississippi continue to be a fresher, higher quality and better tasting choice. Be sure to ask for Gulf of Mexico shrimp when purchasing from the market or dining out.
In February 2003, Congress appropriated $35 million in funds to aid the shrimping industry, which has been hard hit by declining prices due to the increasing amount and low price of imported shrimp and higher operating costs. Funds were allotted to states based on the volume of shrimp produced by each state. Mississippi's portion of the $17.5 million allotted to the Gulf of Mexico states was about $1 million. After distributing about 90% of funds directly to licensed shrimp fishermen who meet shrimp fishery landings and/or income requirements and 2% to those with a demonstrated record of compliance with Turtle Excluder Device (TED) and Bycatch Reduction Device (BRD) regulations, the remaining 8% is being used to promote Mississippi's superior shrimp product.