Shrimp are a popular choice for use as bait when fishing, but not all species of shrimp can be used as bait. Never use imported shrimp in Texas waters. Imported shrimp includes all species that are not native to the Gulf of Mexico, including those from other countries such as Venezuela, India, Thailand, or other non-Gulf countries such as California. Shrimp from non-Gulf or other countries are considered imported and cannot be used as bait – even if they are farmed or frozen in Texas.
“Only native shrimp from Texas waters should be used as bait in public waters,” said Chief Game Superintendent Ben Baker from Corpus Christi. “Other exotic shrimp farmed in Texas may be used for consumption, but must not be introduced dead or alive into Texas public waters. waters.”
The main reason for this law is to prevent the spread of disease to our native fisheries. One catastrophic disease is white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) – a viral infection of the crustacean decapods.
The disease is highly lethal and contagious, killing shrimp quickly. It has caused billions of dollars in damages since it erupted in the early 1990s.
To date, WSSV outbreaks have been detected in most major shrimp producing regions including Asia, Central America, South and North America, Europe and Africa. The OIE and the European Food Safety Authority have listed all marine, brackish and freshwater crustaceans as possible hosts or vectors of the virus, which can cause 100% mortality in shrimp within 3 to 10 days.
An outbreak of the disease wiped out the entire population of many shrimp farms around the world within days. White spot syndrome virus has become one of the most prevalent, widespread and deadly diseases in shrimp populations worldwide. However, there are currently no treatments available to interfere with the uncontrolled onset and spread of the disease.
The best “cure” is to prevent the transmission of the virus to our local shrimp populations by not introducing non-native shrimp into our waters.
Freezing doesn’t kill the virus, so if it weren’t for Texas Gulf shrimp, cheaply packaged frozen shrimp in stores would not be safe for our waters.
Do not use it if you are unsure of the source of the shrimp you intend to use as bait. Federal law requires imported shrimp to indicate the country of origin and method of production (wild or farmed). Check labels when buying shrimp and look for labels that certify that they are Gulf of Mexico shrimp.
Evan Smith bought some bay shrimp for a meal from a store while fishing in Rockport. After opening the package, he saw white spots all over the shrimp and immediately contacted a gamekeeper, who contacted a state biologist, concerned it might be the white spot syndrome virus. It appears that the prawns he bought (claimed to be fresh, never frozen Gulf prawns) were actually ‘frozen’ Gulf prawns on board. The freezing process results in “white spots” on the shrimp.
Thank goodness this alert turned out to be false, but if you see something, say something! Fishermen, especially fishermen like Mr. Smith, is generally conservation conscious and wants to protect our resources. Following our laws and protecting our fisheries is a responsibility we all have to ensure future generations can enjoy the waters around us. Not only does not complying with the laws regarding bait shrimp can cost you hefty fines, but the damage to shrimp populations can also have devastating effects on the environment and the economy.
This is a price no one wants to pay.