Posts in Aquaculture
Seafood Labeling a Good Idea That's Gaining Steam

Louisiana’s seafood producers have long braved harsh conditions to bring their catches to our plates. Aside from the hazards of the job, they have also had to navigate increasingly challenging market conditions over the past two decades as cheap imports have flooded the U.S., pushing down prices. Since 2021, the U.S. shrimp industry has lost almost half of its market value, according to the Southern Shrimp Alliance.

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Number of Redfish Killed by Louisiana's Menhaden Industry Estimated in New Study

A closely watched study of how many redfish and other species the industrial menhaden industry nets and ultimately kills off of Louisiana’s coast shows the numbers are not as bad as some had feared, but recreational anglers called the results concerning nonetheless.

Industry officials pointed to the study as evidence that they did not deserve to be vilified, particularly given their economic contributions to the state. Conservationists highlighted the effects on redfish in particular while calling for further precautions.

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Could Off-bottom Oyster Production Solve Louisiana’s Oyster Woes?

Not all jewels shine deep-green like emeralds or have the sparkle of diamonds. Some tumble from algae-coated cages in a rush of rock and shell, briny water splashing alongside them onto the boat deck.

These fine commodities are oysters, grown and harvested just off Louisiana’s coastline. Traditionally, they’ve been farmed on seafloor beds, but some producers are now cultivating oysters in a string of floating cages.

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Crawfish Season Lasts Longer Than Usual After Record-breaking Year

While it’s the time of year when many crawfish lovers would mourn, as the season usually comes to an end, this year is different. After an epic season, a plentiful one that has been unusually extended, the season is still ongoing. 

“We’ve had a record-breaking season this year,” stated Louisiana Crawfish Company, adding that record production has been achieved across the board. To add to the abundance, the company states that fishermen are reporting that weather conditions are pointing toward an extended season.

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These Louisiana Oysters are Built Different. Will the Salty 'Jewels' Gain a Place at the Table?

Elizabeth Robinson enters a cool, damp room with fluorescent lights and dozens of large plastic bags holding liquid ranging from pastel yellow to dark rust.

It's not the typical image associated with Louisiana's oyster industry. But the lab and its process of growing algae play a key role in the nascent off-bottom oyster farming industry that's been expanding on and around Grand Isle over the past few years.

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Louisiana Lawmakers Send Seafood Safety, Oversight Bill to Landry's Desk

A sweeping overhaul of Louisiana's seafood safety regulations is headed to the governor’s desk, following final legislative approval of a bill that transfers oversight responsibilities from the state’s tourism agency to the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

House Bill 652, authored by Rep. Timothy Kerner, R-Lafitte, dissolves the current Seafood Safety Task Force under the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and reestablishes it within the Agriculture Department.

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