Blessing of the Fleet
Texas Shrimp Season Opens
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July marks the start to a long standing Texas tradition - the official opening of the commercial shrimp season. And Texans do love their shrimp!
For generations, Texas coastal waters have been the base of the largest shrimping industry in the world, and in spite of recent industry problems - like the high cost of fuel - shrimpers from Brownsville to Port Arthur are eagerly awaiting opening day. For many, it means leaving behind their families, their friends and all the comforts of home to embark on an unknown and jouney at sea that last 60 days or more.
 But - just like planning for a good vacation - shrimpers never leave home without making certain they are prepared for the ride; one that could take them into the heart of tropical weather system. That means - in Texas - never leaving home without the blessing of a priest.
In Brownsville, for example, boat owners and crews work hard to prepare the 250 shrimp boats tied to the docks at the Brownsville Shrimp Basin, they are also eagerly waiting for the annual Blessing of the Fleet, a cherished longtime tradition.
The Blessing of the Fleet is an annual ceremony that blesses shrimpers and their vessels while bidding them a safe and bountiful trip as they leave the docks for the opening of the Shrimp Season in Texas, which will officially open in the next two weeks.
 Brownsville's Blessing of the Fleet will take place from 9-11 a.m. on Friday, July 8 at the end of Bayou Court inside the Brownsville Shrimp Basin, off Hwy. 48. Father Mark Watters will bless the Alexandra G, one of the many boats housed at the "Shrimp Capital of the World."
The half-century shrimping history in the area runs as deep as the Gulf of Mexico. Brownsville has strong ties to its neighboring fishing community of Port Isabel, which houses 200 shrimp boats. Between the two communities, 450 boats will be headed out into the Gulf in the days ahead, with hopes of returning this year with enough shrimp to make next year's season possible.
Most boats are out at sea for 50-60 days at a time and most shrimpers are out in the Gulf of Mexico and away from home 220-240 days out of the year. Each vessel holds 10,000-20,000 gallons of diesel fuel. With rising gas prices, shrimpers have seen very hard times recently, but haven't lost hope and need support from their community.
From Galveston to Aransas Pass, Port lavaca to Port Isabel, shrimpers are preparing to venture into open waters to once again make an attempt at saving, for most, the only job (industry) they have ever had - the only one they ever wanted.
If you're near a Texas coastal harbor in the days ahead, show your support and attend one of these many special ceremonies. Most are packed full of celebration, including live music, special speaches - and yes, Texas gulf shrimp. But the best way to express your appreciation is to eat more "FRESH" shrimp from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It's a Texas Tradition!
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Rio Grande Valley
