LSA ADVOCACY & INDUSTRY UPDATE
November 9, 2026
Louisiana Shrimp Association
WORKING TO PROTECT AMERICA'S WILD-CAUGHT SHRIMP INDUSTRY
The Louisiana Shrimp Association (LSA) continues working diligently on behalf of Louisiana's commercial shrimp harvesters and the American wild-caught shrimp industry.
Over the past several months, LSA has been actively involved in federal correspondence, trade and tariff matters, legislative advocacy, and efforts to secure financial assistance for our struggling shrimp harvesters.
Much of this work takes place behind the scenes, but our commitment to protecting our industry remains strong.
FEDERAL CORRESPONDENCE & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
LSA has sent letters and email correspondence to President Donald J. Trump, the White House, Louisiana's congressional delegation, and numerous federal agencies requesting assistance for America's struggling shrimp harvesters.
Our requests have included federal financial relief to help commercial shrimp harvesters with the high cost of fuel. We have also requested stronger enforcement of trade laws and meaningful action to address unfair foreign competition and historically low dockside shrimp prices.
LSA is currently in correspondence with the Senior Advisor for the Seafood Sector at NOAA Fisheries and the USDA Director's Seafood Liaison regarding meetings to discuss the serious economic hardships facing commercial shrimp harvesters and the domestic seafood industry.
We continue pursuing opportunities for assistance and ensuring that the concerns of American shrimp harvesters are heard at the federal level.
FEDERAL FUEL RELIEF ASSISTANCE FOR COMMERCIAL SHRIMP HARVESTERS
USDA Developing Fuel Assistance for America's Fishing Industry
On October 19, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced its $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief Program to help American food producers experiencing higher fuel costs and economic hardships.
Importantly, USDA has identified commercial fishermen among the producers being considered for assistance through the program.
LSA has been in correspondence with USDA's Seafood Liaison regarding the initiative, emphasizing the financial hardships facing our shrimp harvesters and the urgent need for fuel assistance.
What Fishermen Should Know: USDA is still developing assistance details for the fishing industry. Specific eligibility requirements, payment amounts, and application dates have not yet been announced.
Shrimp harvesters are encouraged to maintain accurate records of fuel purchases and operating expenses. These records may be important if documentation is requested for future assistance.
Submitting economic information at this stage is not an application for financial assistance.
LSA will continue monitoring the program and sharing verified information as it becomes available.
View USDA Harvest Fuel Relief Information
SHRIMP ANTIDUMPING DUTIES & TARIFF UPDATES
LSA continues monitoring antidumping and countervailing duty proceedings involving imported shrimp, including developments affecting India, Vietnam, and Thailand.
In July 2026, additional Section 301 tariffs took effect on imports from numerous countries, with rates of 10% or 12.5% for many covered goods. Product exemptions and applicable tariff classifications can affect whether additional duties apply.
These tariffs are separate from applicable antidumping and countervailing duties.
While these trade measures are important, LSA believes stronger enforcement and additional action are necessary to restore fair competition for American wild-caught shrimp.
Read the USTR Section 301 Trade Update
FEDERAL LEGISLATION & SEAFOOD LABELING
LSA continues monitoring and supporting important federal legislation affecting America's commercial shrimp industry.
Save Our Shrimpers Act (H.R. 2071)
Passed the U.S. House of
Representatives on May 12, 2026,
by a vote of 391-18 and was
referred to the Senate.
Destruction of Hazardous Imports
Act (H.R. 2715)
Passed the House and was referred
to the Senate for further
consideration.
LSA has also submitted formal comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding its proposed guidance on U.S.-origin statements for seafood.
Our comments emphasized the importance of truthful seafood labeling and recognition of American wild-caught seafood harvested in U.S. waters and processed in the United States.
The FDA public comment deadline is December 28, 2026.
Read the FDA Seafood Labeling Guidance
WORKING TOGETHER FOR AMERICAN SHRIMP HARVESTERS
Through our involvement with the U.S. Shrimpers Coalition, LSA is helping coordinate efforts with shrimp industry representatives from coastal states across the Gulf Coast and South Atlantic.
These efforts include federal advocacy, trade enforcement, coordination with trade attorneys, and pursuing meaningful solutions to the challenges threatening America's domestic shrimp industry.
We believe a united industry has a stronger voice when addressing the federal government.
NATIONAL PETITION - SAVE AMERICA'S SHRIMP INDUSTRY
LSA continues gathering signatures for our national petition:
"Save America's Shrimp Industry - Protect American Shrimp Harvesters Now!"
We encourage shrimp harvesters, seafood businesses, families, and supporters throughout the country to participate.
Petition Deadline: December 15, 2026
Every signature helps demonstrate the urgent need for federal action to protect American shrimp harvesters and our coastal communities.
Download Printable Petition Sheets
LSA MEMBERSHIP - YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS!
LSA is a nonprofit trade association that depends on membership dues and donations to continue our advocacy efforts.
2025 annual membership dues are extremely overdue, and 2026 membership dues are also due and payable at this time.
We respectfully ask members with outstanding dues to bring their memberships current and remain members in good standing.
Your financial support helps make possible our correspondence with federal and state officials, legislative advocacy, trade-related efforts, and the ongoing pursuit of financial assistance.
We understand the financial hardships facing our shrimping families, and we sincerely appreciate your continued support.
OUR COMMITMENT CONTINUES
The Louisiana Shrimp Association remains committed to protecting our harvesters, advocating for fair competition, seeking financial assistance, and preserving the future of our American wild-caught shrimp industry.
Our shrimp harvesters deserve a fair market, a fair price for their catch, and the opportunity to continue earning a living doing what generations of families have done before them.
Thank you for your continued membership, confidence, and support.
Acy Cooper Jr., President
Louisiana Shrimp Association
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Protecting Our Harvesters - Preserving Our Heritage
