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CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- The near-shore shrimping season has begun in South Carolina.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reported that wildlife officials say shrimp turned up in the state's waters earlier than usual this spring, prompting the decision to open the season Monday.

The shrimping season usually begins in mid- to late-May.

The state opened its waters farther offshore in April, one of the earliest starts ever.

Natural Resources Department biologist Larry DeLancey says he expects a standard shrimping season this year.

Cold that killed shrimp in the winter of 2011 prevented the commercial season from opening until late June. Biologists had been worried that those losses would deplete this year's crop.

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