Political Horizons for August 23, 2009

• By MARK BALLARD
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: Aug 23, 2009 - Page: 7B

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Tuesday shrimp fishermen gathered on the State Capitol steps to draw attention to the low prices caused by cheap imports.

One of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s aides agreed to look down at the multitude from an office window and, on cue, the 500-strong group waved its signs.

(Republican Jindal was in north Louisiana at one of his carefully controlled public appearances, which was announced about 90 minutes before it was scheduled to begin.)

Democratic U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon of Napoleonville, attended the rally though he has been accused by conservative bloggers and the Louisiana Republican Party of ducking public appearances because of the health care debate.

In contrast to the numerous so-called “town hall meetings” on the proposed health care overhaul, which often have been marked by abusive language directed at public officials, the shrimpers, though insistent, remained polite to politicians of both parties.
Both Jindal and Melancon say they are eager to help.

Louisiana is going to need the bipartisan help of state and federal government working together, if commercial shrimping is to survive. Immense and possibly fatal problems currently face an industry that has played a major role in Louisiana’s economy since its founding by the French nearly 300 years ago.

Tariffs and safety inspections on imported products are federal prerogatives.

Melancon and Jindal have individually asked federal and congressional authorities to investigate the difference between the low prices paid Louisiana shrimpers and the high prices charged consumers.

The average price for shrimp was $2 per pound in 2000 and fell to $1.25 per pound in 2006, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Shrimpers Tuesday said the offers they were getting last week were 70 cents per pound and falling fast.

Federal tracking prices in New York exchanges showed Friday that shrimp from China, Thailand and Ecuador was being delivered in America for about 50 cents per pound.

Also consider that any market protections and price supports have to overcome reluctance from officials who adhere to free market economy ideals.

Melancon and Jindal each say the answer lies in making the price of Louisiana shrimp less vulnerable to the low cost foreign imports.

Melancon recommends tapping into the economic development megafund to help establish a seafood factory in a coastal parish much like the $50 million Jindal spent on the chicken processing plant near the Arkansas border.