WikimediaNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Dozens of Louisiana shrimpers — ranging from Vietnamese-Americans to Cajun fishermen — upset over low prices and farm-raised shrimp imports rallied Wednesday in downtown New Orleans to highlight their industry's woes.
Shrimpers spoke out at a meeting of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, a body of industry and government representatives which regulates fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. The group is meeting in New Orleans this week.
Dressed in T-shirts reading, "Domestic Shrimpers Need Fair Prices For Quality Organic Shrimp," the shrimpers chanted: "Demand Gulf shrimp!"
The shrimpers say they're struggling in the face of a flood of cheap farm-raised imported shrimp, market uncertainties, hurricanes and high fuel prices.
Last year the price of shrimp was good, but shrimpers say they're facing a dramatic price drop this year.