Louisiana

Introduction

Louisiana has a cultural history checkered with different peoples and influences, from Native American to Spanish, French and English settlers. Louisiana has approximately 400 miles of coastline, which has been altered drastically countless times over eons by the influence of the Mississippi river, which runs through the state. The clash of fresh river water and brackish water, delta plain, silt and nutrients, and the saltwater of the Gulf of Mexico, makes for one of the most interesting ecosystems in the Americas. Commercial fishing as we know it has existed in Louisiana and the New Orleans area since the mid-1800s, and has been the backbone of the state economy for as many years. Today, is one of the top producers of seafood in the Gulf, bringing in approximately 700 million pounds in 2014. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is responsible for managing the fisheries in Louisiana state waters. The Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board is housed under the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism and is responsible for the promotion and marketing of seafood harvested in Louisiana waters.
 

Certified Fisheries

Currently, Louisiana blue crab is the only blue crab fishery in the world to have obtained independently verified third-party sustainability certification, a true testament to the robustness of Louisiana’s fishery and the effectiveness of its management.
 
The G.U.L.F. Responsible Fisheries Management Certification was awarded to the Louisiana blue crab fishery in November, 2016.
 
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification was awarded to the Louisiana Blue Crab Fishery by March, 2012.