Federal regulators have canceled shrimp harvesting in the Gulf of Maine for a second year in a row due to the population’s dramatic decline amid warming ocean temperatures.
The Portland Press Herald reported that the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Northern Shrimp Section on Wednesday voted to close shrimp harvesting for the upcoming winter season, following a recommendation by a panel of scientists. Shrimp catch was at 5,566 metric tons in 2000 and declined to 2,185 metric tons in 2012.
Pete Seiders, a dock manager of a local co-op that buys shrimp, told the newspaper the decision will have a negative economic impact on fishermen and others who rely on shrimp harvesting to pay bills during the winter season. He added that it will be more difficult for the consumer market to support shrimp moving forward after having two consecutive closures.
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