[StBernard] Federal Funding to Support Louisiana's Seafood Industry

[Westley Annis]

Dear  Friend,


	

I  wanted to share some good news with you regarding new federal funding
that will  soon be heading to Louisiana to support our seafood industry.

	

I secured $150,000 for aquaculture research  activities at the LSU
Agriculture Center in the Agriculture Appropriations  Bill, which passed the
U.S. Senate this week.

	

The research will  enhance crawfish harvesting technology, further develop
tools to facilitate the  genetic improvement of cultured finfish, facilitate
the development of a  baitfish industry, refine fish nutrition and feeding
practices, protect  cultured aquatic species from disease and develop new
aquaculture food products  and waste byproducts.

	

Aquaculture is a  multi-million industry, and Louisiana leads in the nation
in the production of  oysters, alligators and crawfish.  It's important that
we do all we can to  promote further growth in this important industry.

	

The Senate  Agriculture Appropriations Bill now goes into a House-Senate
legislative  conference before going to the president's desk.


Sincerely,
David Vitter
U.S.  Senator