Washington’s 2025 coastal commercial pink shrimp season wrapped up with a total catch of 22.2 million pounds, with the value of state landings reaching $11.4 million.

While multiple shrimp species are found in coastal Washington waters, an article published by The Daily World notes that “only pink shrimp have been abundant enough to support a large, long-term commercial fishery.” That fishery dates back to 1956, when it began off Grays Harbor, driven in part by demand for cocktail shrimp.

Today, activity is concentrated in the ports of Westport and Ilwaco. Landings have varied over time, with catches exceeding 6.5 million pounds in 1958 before dropping to less than 2 million pounds annually through much of the 1960s. In the decades since, harvest levels have fluctuated alongside shrimp abundance and market conditions.

Pink shrimp are harvested using trawl gear, with most vessels in the Washington fleet double-rigged with semi-pelagic, fine-meshed shrimp nets, according to The Daily World. Fishing typically takes place during the day, aligning with the species’ daily movement patterns.

Trips generally last between three and six days, including the travel time to and from the fishing areas. The commercial pink shrimp season is jointly managed by Washington, Oregon and California, opening annually on April 1 and closing Oct. 31.