One thing I am really learning this year - get them when you see them! With winter weather affecting when boats can fishing, my best bet is to buy them when I can and freeze them (they freeze beautifully) if I’m hoping to have them for a specific meal.

Dine on a winter delicacy: N.H. shrimp season is open

DURHAM, N.H. – Starting now and lasting all winter, Seacoast residents can enjoy an abundance of fresh northern shrimp, a sustainable local resource, and help support the N.H. commercial fishing industry.

Northern shrimp caught in the Gulf of Maine provide fishermen with an alternative to groundfish during the winter months when offshore fishing is more dangerous, explains Ken La Valley, commercial fishing specialist for N.H. Sea Grant and UNH Cooperative Extension. Northern shrimp move in close to shore during cold weather, allowing fishermen to stay in safer waters, conserve fuel and save their days-at-sea for groundfishing in better weather conditions. 
A growing interest in fresh, local seafood has brought about community-supported fishery (CSF) initiatives to the Seacoast and the new N.H. Fresh and Local seafood brand, said Ken La Valley, commercial fishing specialist for N.H. Sea Grant and UNH Cooperative Extension. Modeled after community supported agriculture, a CSF is a shore-side community of people collaborating with local fishermen to buy fish or seafood directly for a predetermined length of time. CSF shareholders give the fishermen financial support and then receive a weekly share of seafood caught during the season.
“The opening of the northern shrimp season means more economic opportunities for the struggling N.H. fishermen and a chance for seafood enthusiasts to enjoy shrimp,” La Valley said.
Currently, there are many ways to purchase the northern shrimp and support the local fishing industry. Individuals can join an eight-week shrimp CSF through the Yankee Fisherman’s Cooperative. Shareholders will receive five or 10 pounds of fresh shrimp per week (1/3-2/27) and may choose from several pick-up locations. For more information, please visit [1] www.yankeefish.com.

Consumers, retailers and wholesalers may also buy directly from a NH fishing family.  The Anderson’s, a fishing family out of Rye, are selling shrimp in volume (100lb totes) directly from their boat, the F/V Rimrack (603-343-1500).
In addition, local fresh fish markets and winter’s farmer’s markets near the Seacoast will offer northern shrimp harvested by NH fishermen. Organizations such as Seacoast Eat Local offer information about eating locally grown and harvested food at [2] www.seacoasteatlocal.org. To ensure that the shrimp is part of the N.H. Fresh and Local brand and harvested by a local fishermen, please visit [3] www.nhseafood.com for a list of participating businesses.