Louisiana coast regains ice-making ability

Sept. 1, 2006
The Louisiana fishing industry has broken through a major obstacle to resumption of full-scale shrimp, crab, and finfish operations: the near total absence

The Louisiana fishing industry has broken through a major obstacle to resumption of full-scale shrimp, crab, and finfish operations: the near total absence of industrial ice-making capacity along the Gulf Coast.

This occasion was marked by the dedication of the Southeast Louisiana Regional Ice Hub in a ceremony including Gov Kathleen Blanco, Secretary of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Dwight Landreneau, representatives from the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, Louisiana Sea Grant College Program, Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries Foundation, and Shell Oil Co.

The Gulf Coast hurricanes of 2005 caused $1 billion worth of infrastructure damage to the $2.3 billion Louisiana fishing industry. The Louisiana coast is home to three of the 10 largest United States fishing docks, yet no federal funds have made it to the industry for infrastructure.

“You weathered quite a blow from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita,” Blanco told industry representatives during a news conference. “Many of you lost your boats. The storms wiped out the ice houses and the infrastructure that supports you.” She said the ice-making facilities “will allow you to expand your ability to harvest, transport, and sell your shrimp and fish.”

For the past year, ice-making capacity for 100 miles of shoreline has been virtually non-existent. The regional ice hub is in Chalmette in order to serve fishermen in St Bernard, Plaquemines, Orleans, and St Tammany Parishes.

Shell donated $500,000 to the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries Foundation for the purchase, delivery, and installation of three industrial ice machines.

Sponsored Recommendations

Way Beyond Weight: 5 Ways Truck Weights Affect Fleet Operations

Truck weights affect everything from highway safety and operational costs to back-office efficiency. Here’s how.

Heavy-Duty Maintenance Checklist

A maintenance checklist can help ensure you hit everything necessary during an inspection. Check out our free downloadable checklist to help streamline your repairs.

Five Ways a Little Data Can Save Your Company Millions

While most trucking and logistics companies rely on cellular to keep their work fleet connected, satellite has the ability to connect anywhere and through small data transmission...

Fleet Case Study: 15% YOY Growth for ITDS

Learn how this small trucking company scaled significantly and maintained outstanding customer service without adding additional people. Sylectus TMS can automate operations and...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!