It’s been a tough year for the Louisiana seafood industry and an algae bloom in Lake Pontchartrain is the latest hurdle for fishermen.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says many of those looking to get Louisiana seafood on their table are asking if it is safe.

“Some of the crabs they are catching are having lesions on them so it’s something we need to look at.  We need to look at the health of what is being caught, but I believe that the shrimp and the Louisiana seafood that is being caught is safe,” said Nungesser.

The opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway has effected the salinity levels of Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi Sound, impacting tourism and driving catchable product further offshore.  Nungesser says it is important to score emergency funding for fishermen who are getting nothing right now.

“It’s going to be something we hopefully can make it through, not have alot of these people lose their livlihoods, but it’s definitely on the line for them,” said Nungesser.

Nungesser says there is no shortage of red tape to cut through to get assistance for the seafood industry.

“When you are only working with a small, isolated area, meaning two small states effected, it’s a little harder to push this thing quickly.  But we’ve got to keep trying.  Failure is not an option,” said Nungesser.

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