Bayou Shrimper - bw

by Scott Pellegrin

Title

Bayou Shrimper - bw

Artist

Scott Pellegrin

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Photograph

Description

Shrimping continues as a way of life for many folks in South Louisiana; however, because of competition from foriegn markets, government regulations and fuel costs many families are turning to other josbs. As a business, shrimping has become much more competitive, with more licenses granted now than ten years ago.

Many of the shrimpers who fish seasonally live in settlements along the bayous of south Louisiana and along the lower Mississippi River. Many come from a tradition of fishing and shrimping during the spring, summer and fall months, then oystering and trapping during the winter months. The ranks of shrimpers have increased as others have entered the shrimping industry. Many left city and industrial work, preferring to be their own boss. While traditionally many shrimpers in Louisiana come from a French-speaking background, Chinese, Filipino, Croatian, and Vietnamese immigrants have also entered the South Louisiana fishing industry for their livelihoods.

So while shrimping as a way of life and a family tradition is still present in Louisiana, many fishermen are having to relinquish this heritage because of so many adverse conditions. Their children will not learn to work the trawls and boats or share in the conviviality of a net repair session. The community spirit of the fishermen along the bayous and the shared experience of a family working together will be lost to the changes brought about by government, industry, and development of a foreign market. Shrimping as a way of life may live on only in the stories of the fishermen.

Uploaded

June 9th, 2016

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