BROWNSVILLE, Texas (July 8, 2025) — With anticipation building along the Gulf Coast, the commercial shrimp season for both Texas and federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico officially opens July 15.
At the Port of Brownsville, the Texas Shrimp Association has an added reason to celebrate. After years of facing a flood of cheap, foreign shrimp imports, Texas shrimpers recently received support from state lawmakers.
During the 89th legislative session, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 823 requiring food service suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors in Texas to label whether the shrimp they sell is imported. The bill, which will go into effect September 1, 2025, also prohibits restaurants from misrepresenting imported shrimp as domestic, Gulf, American, or Texas-caught. Restaurants found violating the law could face administrative penalties issued by local or state health departments.
Governor Gregg Abbott signed SB 823 and House Concurrent Resolution 76 at the end of June. HCR 76 urges the federal government to curb the mass importation of foreign shrimp into the U.S. to protect the Gulf Coast shrimping industry from unfair competition and to protect consumers from substandard shrimp that does not meet U.S. health standards.
The Port of Brownsville’s Fishing Harbor is home to a variety of commercial fishing vessels, including shrimp boats, trawlers, and longliners. It is also home to the Texas Shrimp Association (TSA), a non-profit organization founded in 1950, dedicated to supporting and growing the Gulf shrimping industry.
Maria Barrera-Jaross, the organization’s executive director, is hopeful that the recent legislative wins will spark a positive trend in the industry. “We’re hoping that next time we’ll get some stronger legislation. This is just the beginning, we’re trying to get our big toe in the door,” she said.
For Captain Carlton Reyes, it’s a good start but there is still much to be done. Reyes and his father bought their first boat in 1969 sailing back to their native Honduras and working there until 1972 when Reyes’ father became a U.S. citizen paving the path to citizenship for the rest of his family. Today, Reyes commands a fleet of six shrimp boats headquartered at the port’s fishing harbor, that will set sail in time for the opening of the commercial shrimping season.
According to HCR 76, the shrimping industry supports more than 14,000 jobs and generates approximately $850 million in economic value throughout Texas.
“The Texas Shrimp Association was established in 1950. Since that time, TSA has been promoting the interests of shrimpers through interaction with our state and federal legislators and the community at large. We have a proud legacy and look forward to continuing to work toward finding solutions to the many challenges faced by shrimpers and all who are a part of this important industry,” said TSA President Chris Londrie.
Proudly displaying bright red “Friends Don’t Let Friends Eat Imported Shrimp” bumper stickers, Reyes champions the benefits of fresh, wild-caught shrimp, citing its nutritional value over farm-raised alternatives. But the very qualities that make wild shrimp desirable also make the work behind it increasingly difficult.
The rising cost of fuel, coupled with low-price offers from shrimp brokers, has made each season more financially challenging for shrimpers like Reyes. Still, despite the uncertainty and pressure, he remains committed to the work.
“The last two years the quantity was down compared to other years so we’re hoping for a better crop this season. But it’s a natural resource, you don’t know what you’re going to get,” said Reyes.
His words reflect the reality of a profession that relies on nature’s unpredictability and the perseverance it takes to keep going.
The Port of Brownsville ‘s fishing harbor, home to approximately 100 shrimp boats, bustles with activity as boats are prepped for the 2025 commercial shrimp season which opens July 15.
