Is Shrimpers' Plight The Result Of A 'Communication Breakdown'?

Louisiana shrimpers are tying up their boats this week, angry about the low prices they're getting at the dock.

A spokesman with the American Shrimp Processors Association says prices are falling because imports are rebounding.

Gulf Seafood Institute President Harlon Pearce says shrimpers' anger is the result of a communication breakdown.

"I think that there has to be a better understanding between the processors and the shrimpers about things going on in the marketplace that create these types of changes," said Pearce.

I think that there has to be a better understanding between the processors and the shrimpers about things going on in the marketplace that create these types of changes.

Disease had been killing many Asian farm-raised shrimp, which raised the prices for American shrimpers. But that problem is going away, Pearce said, so the price is dropping according to processors.

Pearce says he doesn't think hanging it up is a good way to make more money.

"I always felt that you're better off in the water catching the product than losing a week of production," said Pearce. "You may not ever make back that week of production, so I'm not sure that this is the way to get it done."

The Louisiana Shrimpers Association says it's in talks with the processors, and they are working to figure out ways everyone can make money.

Pearce says the two sides need to keep talking.

"Each other needs to understand each other better," said Pearce. "There has always been this gap between shrimpers and processors to see who can make more money than the other, but they really need to sit down at the table and talk more."