Expresses good wishes from the Louisiana Legislature to the Louisiana shrimping fleet on Opening Day of the 2011 brown shrimp season
The resolution underscores the economic impact of the shrimping industry, which traditionally supports approximately 14,000 jobs and has a dockside value of 90 to 120 million pounds of shrimp landed annually, translating to a significant economic footprint exceeding $1.25 billion. The resolution also points out that the shrimping industry is a major source of tax revenue for both state and federal governments, indicating its importance not just to the livelihoods of those directly involved, but to the broader economic health of Louisiana.
HCR101, introduced by Representative Billiot, is a concurrent resolution expressing the heartfelt good wishes of the Louisiana Legislature to the shrimping fleet as they commence the 2011 brown shrimp season. The resolution highlights the significance of the shrimping industry to Louisiana, noting the state's reputation for high-quality shrimp that contributes heavily to the U.S. seafood market. With Louisiana providing nearly 70% of the domestic shrimp product, this industry is economically vital for the state.
The sentiment surrounding HCR101 is overwhelmingly positive, as it aims to uplift and show solidarity with the shrimping fleet. This expression of goodwill comes in the wake of significant adversities faced by the industry, including devastation from hurricanes and the implications of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The resolution serves as a morale booster for shrimpers, reflecting the state's recognition of their resilience in continuing to contribute to Louisiana's culinary heritage and economy despite ongoing challenges.
While the resolution primarily serves a ceremonial purpose, it implicitly highlights ongoing issues within the shrimping industry, including vulnerabilities related to climate change and natural disasters. These points of contention serve as a call to action for state support and further efforts to ensure the sustainability of the shrimping sector. However, no explicit legislative actions or policy changes are proposed; rather, the resolution is a statement of support in light of external economic pressures.