Some Gulf of Maine Shrimp Will be Available Through Research Program 

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A small amount of Maine shrimp will be available to consumers this winter despite fishing managers’ decision to keep the fishery shuttered.

An interstate regulatory board is closing the fishery for 2016 due to concerns about population loss and warming oceans. It has been closed since 2013.

But a spokeswoman for the board says it has approved a research program for the fishery that will provide some shrimp that can be sold to the public. Four trawling boats will be able to collect up to 1,800 pounds per trip, and two trappers will be able to trap up to 600 pounds per trip. The fishermen will be allowed to sell their catch.

The research program will be limited to a little more than 48,000 pounds for the year.