Gulf shrimpers want help from congress as fuel costs climb

Shrimpers along the Gulf face a cost crisis as fuel costs rise and imported shrimp flood markets. In Venice, Louisiana, Acy Cooper, who named his 31-foot vessel Lacy Kay after his daughter and wife, now operates rented boats to move oil-rig workers after diesel rose. To cover costs, he says he must capture about a thousand pounds per trip, but May’s cold front and coastal erosion have reduced habitats and returns. Imported shrimp now accounts for more than 90% of consumption; the Gulf fleet’s share fell to 4.5% in 2023 and dock prices stay under $2 per pound, with Gulf revenue around $221 million.