Shrimpers deserve help

The Daily Comet, Thibodaux, La.: It is no secret that Louisiana’s shrimpers have seen troubled times in recent years.

They have battled rising costs, falling prices and vicious competition — much of it illegal — from foreign countries that import their shrimp to the U.S.

They also have been hampered by hurricanes and a catastrophic oil spill.

Through it all, the industry has retained the resilience that allowed it to survive for generations.

The good news is that there is some help out there for shrimpers, purchasers and processors — help that could make it more likely for these important Louisiana businesses to survive and thrive.

The Louisiana Wild Seafood Certification Program is offering up to $30,000 in cost sharing for shrimpers and others who want to install new refrigeration equipment or who have already installed the equipment.

decrease cost of ice

The idea is that better refrigeration can help shrimpers stay out on the water longer, decrease the cost of ice and fuel and ultimately make their work more profitable.

Anything the state can feasibly do to help the industry support itself will be welcome.

This effort is actually part of a larger program aimed at creating, maintaining and strengthening the brand of Louisiana shrimp.