SOUTH PORTLAND — Regulators agreed today to a small increase in the 2012 shrimp catch, after outside scientists presented research suggesting that the shrimp population could withstand a larger harvest.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Northern Section, at a meeting this morning, voted to increase the total catch for the season from 2,000 metric tons to 2,211 metric tons. 

The panel rejected a proposal to raise the quota to 3,000 metric tons, after hearing a presentation from a University of Massachusetts researcher that disputed government data.

Fishermen and processors, organized as a new group called Save Our Shrimp, have been urging regulators to raise the quota, saying existing restrictions will damage the overseas market for Maine shrimp and cause economic hardship for the industry.