The 2025 inshore fall white shrimp season in Louisiana begins today, after being delayed from its original August 1st start. Louisiana Shrimp Association President Acy Cooper Jr. explains the delay was due to the abundance of small shrimp, which are less profitable. Fishermen pushed for a later opening to allow shrimp to grow to marketable size, improving prices and retail opportunities. Cooper highlights the challenges facing the industry, including environmental factors like high river levels that affect shrimp growth, and the economic pressure from foreign imports. He warns that the industry is shrinking, with fewer active licenses and an aging workforce. Cooper supports tariffs on imported shrimp to protect domestic producers and urges policy changes to preserve Louisiana’s seafood heritage. He emphasizes the importance of timing in the season to maximize profits before colder weather halts shrimp growth. The conversation underscores the delicate balance between environmental conditions, economic viability, and regulatory decisions in sustaining the shrimping industry. Without intervention, Cooper fears the traditional shrimping livelihood may disappear, replaced by imports that lack the quality and safety of Louisiana’s wild-caught shrimp.
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