More than 250 Louisiana shrimpers and supporters gathered on the steps of the Capitol in Baton Rouge to protest what they see as a lack of assistance from the federal government in the wake of the BP oil spill.
Protesters said Wednesday that the price of Gulf shrimp has been pushed down by less-regulated imports and by a false perception that oil spill pollution has tainted the harvest. They also called on the state to publicize that a recent spike in the deaths of endangered sea turtles is caused by the oil spill — not shrimping. Last month, conservation groups threatened to sue the National Marine Fisheries Service within 60 days if more wasn't done to protect the turtles.
The Louisiana Shrimping Association sponsored Wednesday's rally, which drew several state lawmakers in support.
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