Louisiana’s shrimp season is off to a strong start, but shrimpers say the haul doesn’t tell the whole story. Rising costs and cheap imports are making it harder than ever to stay afloat.
Acy Cooper, President of the Louisiana Shrimpers Association, says the proof is in the numbers.
"In 2000, twenty thousand shrimping licenses were issued. This year, that number has dropped to just 4,000 with only about 3,000 actively catching," said Cooper.
Cooper says it’s not just the price of fuel, ice, and equipment, but it's the fact that local shrimpers can’t compete with imported shrimp sold at lower prices.
“The pricing just doesn’t allow for us to make a living.” he explained.
The decline isn’t just economic. Shrimping has long been a part of Louisiana’s culture, with generations passing down nets, boats, and knowledge.
But Cooper says that legacy is now in jeopardy. With an aging population of shrimpers and few young people entering the industry, the future of Louisiana shrimping is uncertain.
“It’s not just about the shrimp, It’s about losing a way of life. We need to have something to pass down but also someone to pass it to.”