NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Dozens of commercial shrimpers gathered outside the Hilton Riverside Hotel on Poydras Wednesday, trying to send a message to the federal government. They say their livelihood is at stake and something must done. WGNO anchor Jacki Jing spoke with the Louisiana Shrimp Association’s Clint Guidry to learn more about their demonstration.
Shrimpers say the National Marine Fisheries Service have cut down the number of permits allowed and put harsh requirements in place, making operations difficult for them.
The shrimpers also say their competitors from foreign companies — hired by major corporations — have had less regulation. They say those foreign shrimpers don’t use antibiotics, which leads to illness. When it comes to quality, they say American shrimpers are far superior, but they have no one in their corner.
Business was thriving in our area for so long, but now they say they’re struggling. Shrimpers say prices have fallen 65% to 70% from 2014, due to the lack of regulation on competition overseas and the tough requirements on local shrimpers. Louisiana shrimpers protesting say they are worried about making ends meet — and people at home should care because these are Americans who will lose their jobs, their family businesses, their livelihood. It’s also a matter of quality when it comes to the shrimp on your plate.
The shrimpers were protesting outside of the hotel because the National Marine Fisheries Service was meeting inside, discussing the amount of shrimping permits they would allow.
To learn more about this matter, go to www.louisianashrimp.org