Only a few days remain to help ourselves to an inexpensive native delicacy. The fishing season for northern shrimp will be shut down early ”“ at midnight Monday.

Maine’s small, pink shrimp are thriving and abundant but demand has been even more healthy. According to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the amount of shrimp pulled from the North Atlantic this season will exceed the 9-million-pound target set by scientists.

Regulators responded by convening an emergency session last Friday and voted to close the season six weeks early. With growing competition among fishermen in this fishery, scientists are concerned with sustainability of the short-lived species.

Prices were higher this year, but Maine shrimp remain a bargain for those willing to deal with the shells and spiny heads. Cooks skilled at bringing this wild harvest to the table emphasize the importance of brief, careful cooking to preserve the delicate texture and sweet flavor it’s known for.

The popularity of Maine shrimp has risen and ebbed over the years, along with its availability. This year’s early closure is a blow to long-time shrimp fishermen, who were enjoying both good catches and good prices. And its a disappointment to everyone who was counting on six more weeks of meals of boiled, fried, sautéed, and/or raw shrimp.

Careful management is worth the pain, though, if it can ensure the preservation of this valuable resource for generations to come.

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Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com.