Louisiana House Bill HB438

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/2/15
• Refer: 4/2/15
• Refer: 4/13/15

Caption

Sets minimum size for live crawfish sold for direct human consumption

Impact

The enactment of HB 438 will directly amend state laws pertaining to the sale of seafood, specifically crawfish. It will classify violations of the size limit as class two violations with specified penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment. The bill is seen as a move to promote seafood quality and safety standards, which could contribute to enhancing the reputation of Louisiana's seafood industry, especially in markets where consumer confidence is crucial. Such measures also establish standardized practices among crawfish harvesters and sellers, potentially leading to more consistent enforcement and educational efforts regarding compliance.

Summary

House Bill 438 establishes a minimum size for live crawfish sold for direct human consumption, prohibiting the sale of any crawfish smaller than three and one-half inches, measured from the tip of the rostrum to the rear edge of the carapace. This regulation aims to ensure that consumers receive only properly sized and healthy seafood, as smaller crawfish are intended to be sold only for use as bait or peelers, rather than for direct consumption. The bill introduces a provision allowing for a five percent margin of undersized crawfish in each sack, recognizing the practicalities that may arise during harvest and sale.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 438 appears to be generally supportive among stakeholders interested in food safety and quality assurance. Proponents argue that the bill will protect consumers and uphold the integrity of Louisiana's seafood products, which is vital for both public health and the economic viability of the state’s fishing industry. However, there may be some resistance from crawfish sellers worried about the implications of compliance and the possibility of fines or other penalties for unintentional violations, suggesting a mix of support and concern among those affected by the new regulations.

Contention

Notably, some points of contention may arise regarding the practicality of enforcing size measurements and potential economic impacts on small-scale crawfish sellers who might struggle to meet compliance thresholds, especially in the face of strict penalties. There is also the concern that the established five percent variance may not be sufficient to safeguard against market fluctuations or the natural variability in crawfish populations, thereby necessitating a balance between consumer education and industry adaptability to the new regulatory framework.