PORTLAND — The end of the New England shrimp fishing season is looming.

Regulators are expected to set a closure date for the fishery during a conference call today to review how much shrimp has been caught since the season began Jan. 2.

Fishermen this season are allowed to catch 4.9 million pounds before the season is brought to an end. Regulators estimate the catch limit was probably reached two days ago, meaning the season will be shut down very soon.

Fishermen and shrimp processors have protested this year’s limit, which is well under last year’s catch of 13.3 million pounds.

Shrimp provide a small but valuable fishery for hundreds of New England fishermen. The fleet this year comprised 225 boats from Maine and 31 from New Hampshire and Massachusetts.


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