week 22, post 3: harvest

The shrimpers have begun to bring in their initial catches. There are rules of etiquette around farmers and ranchers which I suspect may apply to shrimpers, too. Does one ask, "How is the catch?" Pastor Steve, from Chicago, and I were privileged to watch a fisherman unloading his catch today. First they are sorted on the back deck of the boat, removing all unwanted fish -- crabs, minnows, eels, trout, flounder, etc. Then they are sorted by size; the large shrimp bring the highest price per pound, the little popcorn shrimp the lowest. The catch this year has initially been "ok," but size is small and prices are low. Discouraging. The shrimper and his crew were talking animatedly with the processor in French -- the native tongue for both.
Photos are included. The one shrimp in my hand was a big one. Notice the long and very sharp horn on top of the shrimp's head. A fisherman's hands must be very tough.
Peace, Warren.