Shrimp Fishing in Louisiana: A Difficult Time
This video is about shrimp fishing in Louisiana, USA. For many years, it was a good business, bringing a lot of money to the state. But now, it is very hard for shrimp fishermen and businesses. They have many problems, like high costs for fuel and very low prices for their shrimp. Many cheap shrimp come from other countries, which makes it harder for local fishermen to sell their shrimp.
Problems for Local Fishermen
People who catch shrimp in Louisiana are having a bad time. Things like gas for their boats are more expensive, but they get less money for the shrimp they catch. Many old businesses are closing because they cannot make enough money. Families who have fished for many years are worried about their future.
Shrimp from Other Countries
Most of the shrimp eaten in the USA comes from other countries. These shrimp are often cheaper because workers in those countries get paid less. But there are also problems with these imported shrimp:
- Bad for Nature: Some shrimp farms destroy forests near the sea.
- Bad for Workers: Workers in some places are not treated well and work in bad conditions.
- Not Always Safe: Some imported shrimp might have bad chemicals, and not all of them are checked carefully.
What Can Be Done?
People in Louisiana want new rules to help them. They want to know where the shrimp in restaurants comes from. If people know to buy local shrimp, it can help the fishermen. When you buy local shrimp, you help families and make sure the food is good and safe.
Supporting Local Shrimp
The shrimp industry in Louisiana is important for food and for many families. It needs help to continue. Buying shrimp from Louisiana helps these people and keeps this old tradition alive. It means choosing good food and helping local businesses.
Vocabulary Table
| Term | Pronunciation | Definition | Used in sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| shrimp | /ʃrɪmp/ | A small sea animal that you can eat. | Louisiana is famous for its shrimp. |
| industry | /ˈɪndəstri/ | All the businesses that make one type of product or offer one type of service. | The shrimp industry is very important for Louisiana. |
| money | /ˈmʌni/ | Coins or notes that you use to buy things. | The shrimp business brings a lot of money to the state. |
| business | /ˈbɪznɪs/ | An organization that sells goods or services. | It’s hard to keep a business open now. |
| fisherman | /ˈfɪʃərmən/ | A person who catches fish or other sea animals. | Many fishermen are losing their jobs. |
| costs | /kɑsts/ | The amount of money you need to buy or do something. | The costs for fuel are very high. |
| prices | /ˈpraɪsɪz/ | The amount of money you pay for something. | The prices for shrimp are very low. |
| imports | /ˈɪmˌpɔrts/ | Goods brought into a country from another country to sell. | Many cheap imports come from other countries. |
| USA | /ˌjuː ɛs ˈeɪ/ | The United States of America. | Most shrimp eaten in the USA comes from outside. |
| country | /ˈkʌntri/ | A nation or a state. | Shrimp comes from many different countries. |
| farm | /fɑrm/ | A place where animals are kept or crops are grown. | Some shrimp are grown on a farm. |
| rules | /ruːlz/ | Statements that say what you can or cannot do. | People want new rules to help local shrimp. |
| food | /fuːd/ | Something that people or animals eat to live. | Shrimp is a popular food. |
| families | /ˈfæməliz/ | Groups of people who are related to each other. | Many families depend on shrimp fishing. |
| support | /səˈpɔrt/ | To give help to someone or something. | We need to support local businesses. |
Vocabulary Flashcards
Lexical Focus: Collocations & Chunks
Don’t just learn isolated words—learn chunks of language. These patterns will help you speak more naturally.
-
perfect storm
Adjective + Noun Collocation
Shrimpers have been hit with a perfect storm of rising fuel costs and rock bottom prices. -
skyrocketing demand
Adjective + Noun Collocation
There’s no way to feed America’s skyrocketing demand without Imports. -
make a living
Verb + Noun Collocation
Now you can barely make a living. -
insists on buying
Verb + Preposition Collocation
New Orleans Chef Justin Kennedy insists on buying only wild shrimp. -
go out of business
Phrasal Verb
We’ve definitely seen a lot of processors go out of business. -
take off
Phrasal Verb
This was about the time that the shrimp Imports into the US from Mexico and then India began to take off. -
drive action
Verb + Noun Collocation
Verbs that drive action in the context (e.g., “analyze,” “implement,” “critique”). -
fill that gap
Verb + Noun Collocation
The fact is the US eats so much shrimp that the stuff caught in the Gulf could never cover it all so Farm crustaceans will probably always fill that gap. -
long run
Adjective + Noun Collocation
I won in a short run she definitely won in a long run.
De-Chunking: Complete the Expressions
Select the correct phrase from the box below to complete the sentences.
make a living
go out of business
skyrocketing demand
fill that gap
1. Shrimpers have been hit with a of rising fuel costs and rock bottom prices.
2. There’s no way to feed America’s without Imports.
3. Now you can barely .
4. We’ve definitely seen a lot of processors .
5. Farm crustaceans will probably always .
While-viewing Tasks
Complete these tasks while watching the video:
Guided Notes
Fill in the key information as you watch:
- Main challenge faced by Louisiana’s shrimp industry:
- Percentage of US shrimp consumption from imports:
- Key reason for cheaper imported shrimp:
- Environmental impacts of shrimp farming abroad:
- Risks associated with banned antibiotics in imported shrimp:
- What is “country of origin labeling” and why is it important?:
Questions to Answer
- What is the annual economic contribution of the shrimp industry to Louisiana?
- Who is Justin Kennedy and what is his philosophy on sourcing shrimp?
- What historical advancements helped the shrimp industry expand beyond local markets?
- Describe the working conditions mentioned for women peeling shrimp in India.
- How do shrimpers like Knuckles adapt their fishing techniques?
Checklist
Tick off these points as they are covered in the video:
- Understand the concept of “perfect storm” in the context of the shrimp industry.
- Identify reasons for the decline in domestic shrimp prices.
- Note the impact of hurricanes on shrimp businesses.
- Learn about the process of flash-freezing shrimp.
- Recognize the role of FDA in inspecting imported seafood.
- Grasp the suggestions for consumer awareness and policy changes.
Embedded Video:
Fill in the Blanks Exercise
1. The wild crustaceans bring in about $ for the state every year.
2. Producers say a flood of cheaper imported shrimp from and is sinking Louisiana’s industry.
3. Imports make up of the shrimp the US consumes.
4. New Orleans Chef Justin Kennedy insists on buying only wild shrimp caught by fishermen in the .
5. Kristen Bomber’s company processes pounds of shrimp annually.
6. After the shrimp hits the liquid nitrogen, it forms a on the shrimp.
7. By the , techniques to freeze shrimp and new refrigerated trucks sealed the deal.
8. By the , the state’s shrimp and shellfish generated nearly .
9. In less than a decade, farming production skyrocketed nearly .
10. Since the 1980s, a block of ice has gone from $ to $ today.
11. Knuckles spent $ buying and fixing up his boat.
12. Molina Chie and her husband weren’t able to go to college but they hope shrimping would help their kids do the .
13. Dean estimates that of the docks operating when he started out have since closed down.
14. In 2021, an International Trade Commission analysis indicated that shrimp might be the US seafood market most affected by .
15. In 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration turned away shipments of shrimp because of banned antibiotics.
Vocabulary Quiz
Fact or Fiction Quiz
Extension Activities
Choose from these activities to extend your learning:
Research Project: Global Seafood Trade
Research the global seafood trade, focusing on another widely consumed product (e.g., salmon, tuna, cod). Identify the main exporting and importing countries, key economic drivers, and any environmental or social controversies associated with its production and trade. Present your findings as a short report or presentation.
Medium
Write a Persuasive Essay
Write a persuasive essay arguing for or against stricter regulations on imported food products. Consider economic impacts, consumer safety, environmental concerns, and fair trade practices. Use evidence from the video and your own research to support your arguments.
Hard
Debate: Free Trade vs. Protectionism
With a partner, prepare for a debate on the topic of free trade versus protectionism in the context of the seafood industry. One partner will argue for the benefits of free trade (e.g., lower consumer prices, variety), and the other will argue for protecting domestic industries (e.g., national security, local jobs, higher standards). Present your arguments to another pair or the class.
Hard
Interview a Local Business Owner
Work with a partner to identify and interview a local business owner whose industry might be affected by global trade (e.g., farming, manufacturing, retail). Ask them about the challenges and opportunities they face due to imports/exports. Summarize your interview findings.
Medium
Develop a Public Awareness Campaign
In a small group, design a public awareness campaign to educate consumers in your community about the importance of supporting local seafood or sustainable food practices. Your campaign could include a poster, a social media strategy, or a short video. Present your campaign to the class.
Medium
Policy Proposal
As a group, research current government policies related to imported seafood or agricultural products. Identify areas for improvement and draft a policy proposal that addresses some of the issues raised in the video. Present your proposal to the class for discussion.
Hard