Crab Industry Workshop Nov. 12

While the basics of the fishery remain the same, regulations, policies, economics and research continue to change in the blue crab industry. On Nov. 12, 2013, the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program and LSU AgCenter will hold the first in a series of crab industry workshops designed to cover topics important to crab fishermen, processors, shredders and anyone else interested in the crab industry.

Specific topics for the first workshop include: crab biology; existing regulations; new laws; products and research; MSC; handling and quality; and economics, ecotourism and business plans. Anyone interested in potential product yield and revenue should attend. Future workshops will include topics related to gear improvements, boat maintenance and repairs.

In addition to the agenda topics, Cultus Pearson – “The Crab Man of Lacombe” – will serve as luncheon speaker and give participants his perspective on the history of crabbing in the Pontchartrain Basin.

The first Crab Industry Workshop will be held at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge, Bayou Lacombe Center, Conservation Room. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 12, with the program ending at 2:30 p.m. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Pre-registration for the workshop is free through Nov. 1. To register, call Twyla Herrington (504 858-9826), Carol Franze (985 543-4129), or Julie Anderson (225 578-0771). Late registration of $10 will be collected on-site.