166 DESCRIPTION OF IMPORTANT FISHERIES AND THEIR PRODUCTS 



There is a marked difference in the average production of shrimp by 

 vessels operating in the southern shrimp fishery compared with that of 

 vessels in the Alaskan fishery. Vessels in the latter fishery in 1959 averaged 

 250,000 pounds of shrimp, while vessels operating in the Campeche fishery 

 considered 60,000 to 70,000 pounds a very good annual production. On 

 the other hand, the average price per pound of Alaskan shrimp was only 

 about 4 cents compared to about 26 cents (heads on) for southern shrimp 

 in 1959. 



The southern shrimp fishery operates the year around, but catches are 

 normally highest from June to October. Vessels large enough to do so 

 usually move from one ground to another, following seasonal changes in 

 abundance. 



In recent years the quantities of shrimp imported from foreign countries 

 have increased markedly. From less than a million pounds in the early 

 1930's, imports rose to a record of 113.4 million pounds in 1960. The 

 value of shrimp imports rose from $385,000 in 1940 to $56.4 million in 

 1960. Mexico has always supplied the greatest quantity of shrimp 

 imported into the United States. Before 1950 Mexico was the only 

 important supplier, accounting for over 99 per cent of the quantity 

 imported. In 1960, 55 countries sent shrimp to the United States. Mexico's 

 share in 1960 was 65 per cent; other important suppliers included Panama, 

 El Salvador, Ecuador, British Guiana, and Colombia. 



Fishing Methods 



About 95 per cent of the shrimp caught in the southern fishery are 

 caught by otter trawls. The relatively minor quantities from the North- 

 west are captured by beam trawls, but in recent years otter trawls have 

 been used successfully. Cast nets and bag nets in the South and baited 

 pots in the Northwest catch the remainder. 



The common southern shrimp boat design is said to have been derived 

 from Greek boats whose owners were engaged in the sponge fishery of 

 the west coast of Florida. Such "Florida-type" vessels (Figure 12.1) are 

 usually 50 to 70 feet in length, typically 67 feet. They are usually of 

 wood, and are powered with 150 to 200-horsepower diesel engines. These 

 vessels have a fuel capacity of 6000 gallons and an ice capacity of 45 

 tons. They are capable of fishing anywhere in the Gulf of Mexico or the 

 Caribbean Sea. The cost of a 67-foot vessel in 1960 was estimated at 

 $47,500. 



A second, less common vessel employed in the southern shrimp fishery 

 is the "Biloxi-type." This is used mostly in inshore fishing and ranges 

 in size from about 30 to 45 feet. Unlike the 'Tlorida-type" vessel, it has 

 the wheel-house and engine room aft. 



