2008-2009 Shrimp Season

[Craig A. Pendleton]

On Wednesday, The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission -Northern Shrimp Section voted to allow a full season. This years shrimp season will open on Dec. 1 and end on May 30th.

All indications from the science committee are that shrimp will be plentiful and will be good size as a large year class of 5 year olds should be available to us.

I plan on being ready to fish for shrimp on opening day and extend an invitation to all to purchase shrimp from me directly off my boat. This year I will also team up with Dan Chadbourne a local lobsterman and Saco Harbor Master and will be selling product at his lobster pound in Saco.

I will post more details as we complete them such as a website and telephone numbers so you can phone in your orders. Shrimp season takes place during the winter and when the weather is at its worst so I hope everyone will be understanding that we will fish only when its safe and sound.

I look forward to providing you with the best tasting shrimp you have ever eaten direct from Saco Bay in the Gulf of Maine. Stay tuned for more details....

[Bob]

How did you find this out (are you on the Commission?)? I've been tracking this for awhile and can't find out anything from the Commission's web site. Will it be a 7-day-a-week season? I can't wait!

[Craig A. Pendleton]

If I was I would hope the Maine fisheries would be in better shape both from a fish point of view and a people point of view but unfortunately that's not the case.

There was a meeting in Portland recently and the season is decided after the science committee makes a presentation and the advisors talk it out - Glen Libby of the Mid Coast Fishermen's Association attended and reported that the season would be nearly the maximum-7 days a week starting on Dec 1. Unfortunately I hear that the market will once again be a limiting factor and prices may be so low that it will be a toss up as to the season's profitability even though fuel prices have dropped some.

I'll keep posting as I get information.

[Glen Libby]

Bob, the season was not set until November 7th at a meeting in Gloucester. We have a 6 month season from December 1 until May 29. We are offering (CSF) community supported fishery shares through our coop. Go to portclydefreshcatch.com for info. We will have 5 pickup points to start. Damriscotta, two in Rockland, Belfast, and Port Clyde. Craig is right about the processor market. The world economy is driving prices down for shrimp. Competition from foreign imports also are a big factor. If you can, please support your local fishermen! Thanks!

[Craig A. Pendleton]

Hi Sea-where are you going to school?

[John Urquhart]

I kwould be intereted in buying shrimp directly from you in small quantities- 10-20 lbs. Please provide more information. I typically come through Saco on Fridays, midday.

john [e-mail]

[Craig A. Pendleton]

Best bet is to call us ahead. The weather has been terrible. I will be going out as soon as we can. We like to go on Thursdays or Fridays so we have product all weekend. Check in with Dan Chadbourne on Thursday night at 207-423-2755. I have class on Thursdays until 9pm but if its a fishing day my crew will go. Thanks for your interest.

[John Dennison]

Hi Craig!

Is the F/V Ocean Spray going out today or tomorrow? Missed you last week! Drop me a line if you can.

Best,
Johnnyd