The US shrimpers in Texas and Louisiana are preparing for Hurricane Harvey, expected to be a category 3 or 4 hurricane when it makes landfall on the central Texas coast Saturday morning. Heavy rain and flooding is forecasted, with storm surges of 1 to 3 feet in southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana, and 1 to 2 feet above ground level in south central Louisiana according to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The shrimpers in the path of the Hurricane disrupted business as usual to return to port and are preparing the boats for the storm.
The US shrimp industry, located along the coast of North Carolina to Florida and in the Gulf States, experiences frequent hurricanes. The natural disasters are very costly to the industry, in time missed at sea during peak season, damages to boats, docks and processing facilities, and personal hardships. However, after major Hurricanes such as Katrina, Rita and Wilma, the US shrimp industry took the necessary actions to keep the food supply safe and to rebuild quickly.
Shrimping is a way of life for hundreds of families, passed down generation to generation, and it has survived many hurricanes. As long as people want US wild caught shrimp, they will be there to provide it.
The Southern Shrimp Alliance encourages all of its members in Texas and Louisiana to follow local advisories to stay safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your communities.
Boats at dock in Palacios, Texas awaiting Hurricane Harvey
The Texas shrimp season opened on July 15, but shrimp boats returned to prepare for the storm
Boats prepare for Hurricane Harvey in Palacios, Texas
US shrimpers have survived many Hurricanes and we hope the best for those in the path of Harvey