Louisiana Fisheries
Current NewsAbout UsBiological InfoManagement InfoHabitat Info
Louisiana Fisherman Professionalism ProgramAquaculture InfoLegal & Socio-Economic Issues
Fisheries & PeopleResources & PublicationsFisheries FAQsSearch
LSU AgCenter Louisiana Sea Grant Louisiana Fisheries Louisiana Fisheries

Home > Fisheries & People > Shrimp Tales

Fisheries & People: Shrimp Tales

More than 125 million pounds of shrimp were caught in Louisiana in 2003 with a value of nearly $135 million, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service. Increased regulation, high fuel prices and competition from both seafood imports and fellow fishermen are pushing some Louisiana shrimpers into retirement or causing them to seek work in other industries.

Despite the hardships, shrimping remains a passion for many. The fishery and the product it brings to shore continue to have a tremendous impact on individuals, communities and the culture of south Louisiana. Here are the stories of some of the people who depend on Louisiana’s shrimp fishery.

Get Macromedia Flash PlayerTo view these files you will need Flash Player. This free program is available for download from Macromedia by clicking the icon to the right.
Photo: Wilson Acosta stands beside his shrimp boat.
Photo: Cecile Robin
Photo: Reigning shrimp queens and kings of all ages board a boat.

The Boss
Wilson Acosta has been fishing since he was a boy. Now in his 60s, he is considering selling his boat and retiring.
Watch & Listen

(Read the transcript (10KB PDF) of WIlson Acosta's story.)

Wives Tales
Cecile Robin married into a family of fishermen. She explores some of the wives tales associated with fishing in south Louisiana.
Watch & Listen

(Read the transcript (11KB PDF) of Cecile Robin's story.)

Blessing of the Fleet
The Rev. Herb Bennerfield presides over the annual Blessing of the Fleet in Delcambre. He describes what the shrimp festival and fishery mean to one small town.
Watch & Listen

(Read the transcript (10KB PDF) of Rev. Herb Bennerfield's story.)

Logo: Gulf & South Atlantic Fisheries Foundation, Inc.

Development of this portion of the Louisiana Sea Grant Fisheries Web site was funded by the Gulf & South Atlantic Fisheries Foundation, Inc. under NOAA cooperative agreement #NA16FM2817.
The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Gulf & South Atlantic Fisheries Foundation, Inc., NOAA, or the Department of Commerce.


Louisiana Fisheries LSU AgCenter Louisiana Sea Grant