The announcement that the shrimp season for the winter of 2005-2006 will be twice as long as last year - 140 days - got mixed reviews this past week. On November 8, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission set the season at December 12 - April 30, both for this winter and for next, saying that stock assessments indicate the shrimp population has rebounded in recent years.

While shrimp fishermen are pleased they will have an extended season, they're apprehensive that the lack of good markets may hold the price down.

In 2002-2003, shrimpers had only a 25-day season, with 38 days in 2003-2004, and 70 days in 2004-2005. The decline in landings prompted many dealers to go out of business, claiming they just couldn't survive on the limited product.

The lack of dealers and limited fishing days also resulted in a decline in the number of shrimp fishermen; draggers didn't bother to switch over their nets for the short season, lobstermen who normally go shrimping didn't bother, and shrimp trappers likewise didn't make the investment for the short season. Those who did go shrimping sometimes found it difficult to sell their product, and some of them had to resort to peddling their shrimp to small markets they were able to establish themselves.

For the most part, shrimpers are hopeful that the shrimp have now made a good recovery in the Gulf of Maine, and that more dealers will be available, as well as good markets, i.e. prices, for their landings.