The U.S. Government is closed. This site will not be updated; however NOAA websites and social media channels necessary to protect lives and property will be maintained. To learn more, visit www.commerce.gov. For the latest forecast and critical weather information, visit www.weather.gov

The U.S. government is closed. This site will not be updated; however, NOAA websites and social media channels necessary to protect lives and property will be maintained. To learn more, visit commerce.gov

For the latest forecasts and critical weather information, visit weather.gov.

Giant Asian tiger prawn invade Gulf waters

Shrimping season opened Monday off Louisiana and fishermen can’t get over what they’re now finding in their nets. Some say the coastline is under invasion. The giant invaders are valuable, but may be destroying the Gulf ecosystem.

From Texas to North Carolina, fishermen have been catching giant shrimp, big enough to stretch across a 12-inch dinner plate.

Shrimp captain James Mason has fished Louisianas coast for 44 years.

But he had never caught an Asian tiger prawns one of these until last April, when he netted seven in one month.

“I didnt know what to think,” Mason said. “We dumped the net and that popped out on top and I said, My god what a big old shrimp.”

Mason has sold a few for top dollar.