How does cold weather impact the Louisiana crawfish industry?
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) --- While this year's crawfish harvest is projected to be a successful one, LSU AgCenter Aquaculture Specialist Mark Shirley says it could be compromised with the upcoming freezing cold temperatures.
"Usually when we have cold weather like we're expecting next week, it probably will slow down the catch for several days," Shirley said.
According to Shirley, the best water temperature to catch crawfish is when it's around 70 to 80 degrees. As water temperature drops to near freezing, like what is expected for next week, harvesting crawfish may be more difficult.
Shirley said, "Crawfish are cold blooded animals in that the temperature will influence their metabolism not only in what they're eating or growing, but also coming to the traps."
While it is still very early into the harvest, crawfish are selling. The upcoming colder temperatures could slow it down, but Shirley thinks the season will still be a good one as we get into the spring.
"That will affect the catch and the supply of crawfish to the market. It does fluctuate quite a bit during time of January and February. Once we get into springtime weather patterns, into March and April, things will even out a little bit."