Louisiana Crawfish
This artwork was created for and sponsored by CHEVRON Oronite
Louisiana Crawfish Industry
Official nationwide comparisons are not available, but industry experts estimate that Louisiana usually accounts for 90%-95% of the total U.S. production from year to year, either from wild waters of the state, or on farms.
Commercial sales of crawfish in Louisiana date back to the late 1800s, and today's crawfish industry includes millions of pounds harvested from farms and natural waterways in the Bayou State.
The harvesting of wild crawfish from natural habitats such as bayous, swamps and marshes provides a significant number of jobs for Louisiana residents. The Atchafalaya Basin is world famous for its crawfish production.
More than 1,600 Louisiana farmers and fishermen produce crawfish from 111,000 acres of ponds and from natural wetlands, primarily the Atchafalaya Basin. The industry employs about 7,000 people directly or indirectly and injects $300 million into the state's economy each year, according to the Louisiana Crawfish Promotion and Research Board.
Celebrating Crawfish in Plaquemines Parish
The Plaquemines Parish Social Aid and Pleasure Club celebrates our crawfish industry and culture each spring with the Plaquemines Parish Social Aid and Pleasure Club One Sack Challenge where participants and guests alike enjoy a fun-filled day of delicious, boiled crawfish and plenty of music and fun activities for the whole family. This nonprofit organization uses the proceeds from this event to support various nonprofits and projects in Plaquemines Parish.
For more info on the organization email them at psapc.plaquemines@gmail.com
BUY Louisiana Crawfish - not imports!
Know your crawfish!!
Buying Louisiana crawfish instead of imported crawfish is important because it supports local farmers, preserves Louisiana’s cultural heritage, and ensures you are getting the freshest, highest-quality product. Louisiana crawfish are raised in carefully managed ponds and natural waterways, which gives them a distinct flavor and freshness that imported crawfish—often frozen for long periods and shipped from overseas—cannot match. Purchasing locally also keeps money in the state economy, helping Louisiana farm families and sustaining traditions tied to crawfish boils, festivals, and cuisine that are central to Louisiana identity. To make sure you are buying Louisiana crawfish, look for clear labeling on packaging that states “Product of USA” or “Louisiana Crawfish,” ask your seafood supplier or grocery store where the crawfish came from, and avoid packages that only list “imported” or don’t specify the country of origin. Supporting Louisiana crawfish not only guarantees better taste, it also safeguards jobs, traditions, and the local environment.
A great place to learn about local seafood and where to buy the freshest and best is the Louisiana Seafood Board website! Where to Buy Louisiana Seafood | Louisiana Seafood Click the LOUISIANA SEAFOOD logo to go directly to the pages for recipes and much more!
