The 2018 catch was 35.8 million pounds, about 12 million pounds higher than 2017 landings.

After a slow start last season when the typical 250-350 count per pound could not be reached, a 300-400 count was marketed

Eventually conditions did begin to improve and some 250-350 count was harvested, with an overall season average count per pound of 133.

Age year class is very important to determine the outlook for upcoming fisheries.

The 2019 season is predicted to have strong year 2 shrimp recruitment from 2017 and moderate year 1 shrimp from 2018, which could be a positive nod to improving count per pound issues.

--- The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reported 2018 as the third highest value on record with the second highest average price per pound of $0.75 ex vessel.

The higher dock pricing rippled through the market last season as limited inventories of 250-350 count were around $6.85/lb, up from to low to mid $5.00 range last year.

300-400 count per pound has been at $5.05/lb in Seattle this season, with strong inventory holdings.

Overall, we see the market improving next season with good indicators for lower count per pound and room for pricing to come down slightly.

Keep an eye on the 3-Minute Market for more news once the fishery opens in April.

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