A Louisiana Walmart is facing a lawsuit after using an image of a local fishing boat to sell imported shrimp, and a local shrimper is demanding justice. This has sparked a heated debate about the impact of imported shrimp on local fishermen and their businesses.
Imported Shrimp Hurts Louisiana Shrimpers
According to the USDA, nearly all the shrimp consumed in the United States is imported. While some restaurants and grocery stores try to sell only domestic shrimp, many shoppers in Louisiana were shocked to learn that a lot of what they thought was local shrimp was actually imported.
The rise of cheap imported shrimp has affected not only the reputation of local restaurants but also the livelihoods of Louisiana shrimpers. These shrimpers rely on domestic shrimp for their income, and the flood of imported shrimp makes it harder for them to sell their catch.
Walmart Faces Lawsuit from Local Shrimper
George Barisich, president of the United Commercial Fisherman’s Association, is now suing Walmart after discovering that the store in Meraux, Louisiana, was using a photo of his father’s shrimp boat — the FJG — to advertise imported shrimp. The boat, built by Barisich’s father, is part of his family’s history.
George Barisich told WWL in New Orleans, “My daddy’s turning over in his grave right now.” He is angry that Walmart used the image of the FJG boat, a symbol of local shrimping, to promote shrimp that were not caught in Louisiana waters.
The Battle Against Imported Shrimp
Domestic shrimpers like Barisich have been hurt by the availability of imported shrimp at lower prices. Imported shrimp has flooded the market, making it hard for local fishermen to compete. Many shrimpers are hopeful that the tariffs introduced by President Trump could help level the playing field by increasing the price of imported shrimp.
In addition to the lawsuit for using the image of Barisich’s boat, Walmart is also being sued because the sale of imported shrimp is actually illegal in St. Bernard Parish, where the Walmart store is located.