Bayou La Batre Declares Fishing Industry Disaster

City of Bayou La Batre officials have signed a disaster declaration that says an influx of imported foreign seafood is hurting the local fishing industry, FOX10 reported. Mayor Henry Barnes, Sr. says a recent influx of imported foreign seafood has, for example, caused the value of shrimp to decrease to only $1 per lb. He adds that, with fuel costs outweighing profit, some shrimp boat owners are keeping their vessels docked. The declaration calls on Gov. Kay Ivey and other congressional leaders to implement limits on imports of foreign seafood. Barnes is also meeting with Congressman Jerry Carl on the issue today.