Walmart Sued for Using Local Boat in Imported Shrimp Ad

A Louisiana Walmart is in hot water after they got called out for using an image of a local fishing boat to sell imported shrimp, and now a local shrimper is suing the retailer for using an image of his boat.

Imported Shrimp Hurts Louisiana Business

According to the USDA, almost all shrimp consumed in America is imported. Some restaurants and grocers pride themselves on carrying only domestic shrimp, but here in Shreveport, we're still recovering from the shock that a lot of what we believed to be local shrimp was imported.

The incredible volume of imported shrimp isn't just hurting the reputation of restaurants but the Louisiana fishers who make a living off catching and selling domestic shrimp.

Walmart Sued By Louisiana Shrimper

George Barisich, president of the United Commerical Fisherman's Association, is suing Walmart because the store in Meraux had an image of the FJG, the boat his father built for shrimping, sitting displayed above a cooler of imported shrimp for sale.

George Barisich told WWL in New Orleans "My daddy's turning over in his grave right now."

Domestic shrimpers have suffered as imported shrimp has become widely available at low prices, undercutting the availability of domestic shrimp in many places. Many are hopeful that if President Trump's tariffs are effective, the imported shrimp market will also take a big hit.

Not only is Walmart being sued over the likeness of the FJG being used to sell imported shrimp, but are also being sued because the sale of imported shrimp itself is illegal in St. Bernard Parish