Why Louisiana's $1.3 billion shrimp industry could go extinct
Louisiana catches about 70 million tons of shrimp, but it's not enough to meet America's surging demand. Cheap imports make up 90% of what the US consumes, and most of it is farmed in countries like India using controversial tactics. Dock prices in Louisiana have fallen to compete. It's left US shrimpers with a perfect storm of rock-bottom prices and sky-high fuel. Up and down the supply chain, companies worry this may be the last generation of Louisiana shrimpers.
Louisiana catches about 70 million tons of shrimp, but it's not enough to meet America's surging demand. Cheap imports make up 90% of what the US consumes, and most of it is farmed in countries like India using controversial tactics. Dock prices in Louisiana have fallen to compete. It's left US shrimpers with a perfect storm of rock-bottom prices and sky-high fuel. Up and down the supply chain, companies worry this may be the last generation of Louisiana shrimpers.