Hurricane Ida delivered another blow to the state’s seafood industry, which annually produces millions of pounds of fish, shrimp, crabs, and oysters. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says Ida’s 150-mile per hour winds on the southeastern coast of Louisiana caused major damage to boats and docks.
“We’ve lost a good portion either damaged or sunk of the vessels that bring that great bounty to shore and many of the shrimp docks and docks where they unload the seafood have been damaged,” said Nungesser.
Restaurants are reporting a lack of oysters as oyster beds are closed. Nungesser says the state health department needs to test the waters, so hopefully, they will open soon. He says shrimpers could face a longer recovery.
“And a large portion of the fleet has been damaged, I understand in Lafitte 54 boats were sunk,” said Nungesser.
Nungesser says fishermen will need federal assistance in order to bounce back from this destructive hurricane.
“And I’m hoping to get relief directly to the Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, those people who sit on that board know what’s needed know where to go to help the people the most,” said Nungesser.
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