Louisiana Senate Bill SR157

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/23/11
• Passed: 6/23/11

Caption

Requests the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium to conduct a study on the lack of shrimp growth in the Barataria Basin.

Impact

If the study mandated by SR157 is conducted, it may yield crucial insights into the environmental conditions affecting shrimp populations in the Barataria Basin. This research could inform future regulations and management strategies aimed at supporting the local shrimping industry. Considering the basin's ecological significance and its historical productivity, any findings could impact policies related to marine conservation and fisheries management in the state of Louisiana.

Summary

Senate Resolution 157 requests the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) to conduct a study addressing the observed lack of shrimp growth in the Barataria Basin. The resolution highlights the historical significance of the Barataria Basin as a productive shrimp habitat and points to various ecological factors that could influence shrimp growth, including temperature, salinity, and food availability. The document outlines the decline in shrimp size and marketability observed in recent seasons, particularly when compared to shrimp harvested from adjacent regions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR157 appears to be constructive, with stakeholders and legislators recognizing the importance of understanding the environmental factors at play in the Barataria Basin. Since shrimping is a vital economic activity for many communities in Louisiana, there is a general consensus on the need for detailed research to ensure the sustainability of shrimp populations. Additionally, the collaboration between the LDWF and LUMCON suggests a proactive and collective approach to address these ecological challenges.

Contention

While SR157 reflects a unified call for scientific inquiry, potential contention could arise regarding the findings and subsequent recommendations. Different stakeholders, including commercial fishermen and environmental advocates, may have diverging interests based on what the study reveals. Engaging with a broad range of interests during the study's implementation will be essential to manage expectations and address any conflicts that might emerge from varying interpretations of the data.