Stacey Vanek Smith: Shrimpers in Alabama and Mississippi begin their harvest today. Warmer than usual temperatures in the region have put shrimpers two weeks ahead of schedule.

Brigid Elsken Galloway has more.

Brigid Elsken Galloway: After the BP spill, the multi-billion-dollar Gulf Coast seafood industry was shut down. Now, two years later, things are looking up, at least for shrimpers. No one knows the extent of the recovery yet, but this morning a fleet of more than 100 shrimp boats cast their nets to begin the harvest.

Greg Landier owns Sea Pearl Seafood.

Greg Landier: It is an economic boost to everyone because the earlier they get it the sooner they make money and hopefully the season lasts for quite a while and they catch a lot of shrimp.

And that boost is expected to trickle up about 300 miles north.

At Gulf Seafood Market in Birmingham, Solomon Tang anxiously awaits delivery of fresh brown shrimp.

Solomon Tang: We sell a lot of shrimp, especially during this time. Shrimp gumbo, shrimp boil, steamed shrimp. I like shrimp boil, that’s one of my favorites.

The opening of shrimp season on the Gulf Coast will also mean fresh shrimp and fresh cash for seafood sellers all over the country.

In Birmingham, I’m Brigid Elsken Galloway for Marketplace.