DELCAMBRE, La. ---
Louisiana commercial fishermen have not yet rebounded from declined catches due to last year’s flood waters when now there is deep concern for the industry’s fate as a result of self-quarantines and an expected economic slump due to the coronavirus. And this comes just before the opening of the inland shrimp season in May.
Seafood readily available
.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet is encouraging residents and visitors to purchase seafood produced and caught by Louisiana fishermen. He says, “We can help the industry by pitching in and purchasing Louisiana seafood whenever possible. Each dollar you spend helps fishermen, their families, and their communities - the backbone of the seafood industry.”
Farmers Markets closed
.
The Delcambre Seafood and Farmers Market, which has been the better-known outlet for fishermen to sell seasonal seafood off the boats, normally open the first Saturday of each month, will be closed in April to combat the spread of the virus. (The market draws an average of 1,300 customers each month.) Twin Parish Port and Market Director Wendell Verret says there are other opportunities to purchase fresh or fresh frozen seafoods to help support fishermen.
Find available locations
.
Because of this uncertainty, Verret says, "We've decided to start promoting seafood sales and informing the public which locations are available for call ahead and for pickup." Those vendors include: Vermilion Bay Seafood in Delcambre, Granger’s Seafood in Maurice, D & T Crawfish in Abbeville, Big D’s Seafood in Franklin, Milton and Christine Naquin in Broussard, and Fresh Water Seafood in Loreauville.
Fresh frozen seafoods can still be purchased, as of now, at the Market of Broussard Commons in Broussard, Gonsoulin’s Meat Market in Loreauville, Jessica Gail Seafood in Youngsville, Granger's .Seafood in Maurice, and other locations.
Consumers can also track fresh catches as they come in by checking the website
DelcambreDirectSeafood.com
and their
Facebook page
. Fishermen who participate post their catches and where they will be selling, along with a phone number.
Seafood available online
.
Based in Delcambre,
LouisianaDirectSeafoodShop.com
is an online market for wild-caught, flash-frozen Louisiana seafood – among the world’s highest quality – packed by the fishermen who caught it and shipped right to consumers' doorstep anywhere in the United States.
The premier products change seasonally, depending on what’s available. Best sellers include shrimp, crab, many varieties of fish, oysters, and specialty products. To order visit their
online store,
Facebook
, call (800) 884-6120 Ext. 5 or
email
.
“Find a way to include all Louisiana seafood products in your budgets,"
Montoucet pleads. "
[Fishermen] are counting on this income for their survival, especially after the hardships many of them suffered last year. Remember the income received is key to maintaining the overall strength of our economy.”
And, when purchasing any seafood, Montoucet also reminds consumers to verify it was caught in Louisiana.
Safe Ways to Purchase
- LouisianaDirectSeafoodShop.com for shipping and local delivery
- Jessica Gail Seafood, LLC 106 Amberwood, Youngsville, La.
- Gonsoulin Land and Cattle Store, 6108 Loreauville Rd, New Iberia, La.
- The Market at Broussard Commons, 817 Albertson Pkwy. Suite M, Broussard, La., for call ahead orders and pick up while supplies last.
- Amazon.com: Vermilion Bay Sweet brand catfish, crabmeat, and snapper.
For more information, contact Wendell Verret with the Twin Parish Port Commission in Delcambre at (800) 884-6120 Ext. 1 or by
email
.
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