Louisiana to Close Portion of Outside Waters to Shrimping on Feb. 9, 2026
State orders closure of section of outside waters to protect undersized white shrimp
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced the 2025 fall shrimp season will close at official sunset on Monday, February 9, 2026, for a stretch of state outside waters between Caillou Boca and Freshwater Bayou Canal. The closure follows routine biological sampling that found average white shrimp in the area are smaller than the minimum possession limit set by law.
Area affected
The action covers outside waters bounded by the inside-outside line and the three-mile line in the sector between Caillou Boca and Freshwater Bayou Canal, as detailed on the LDWF closure map. The department’s release lists boundary points along the inside-outside and three-mile lines to identify the closed zone for commercial harvesters and recreational fishers.
Why the closure was imposed
LDWF biologists reported that shrimp samples averaged below the statutory size threshold. Under R.S. 56:498, possession counts for saltwater white shrimp in cargo lots must average no more than 100 whole specimens per pound except between October 15 and the third Monday in December. The temporary closure is intended to let these smaller shrimp grow to larger, more valuable sizes and to protect future stock.
Next steps and monitoring
Current data do not support additional closures in other outside waters, but LDWF will continue monitoring shrimp populations and may open or close areas as biological conditions dictate. The secretary will publish any opening, delay, or additional closure at least 72 hours before it takes effect.
Further information
A detailed map and full season information are available on the LDWF shrimp season webpage. Media and mariners seeking clarification may contact Konner Lockfield at (504) 286-4184 or by email at klockfield@wlf.la.gov.