ACADIANA, La. (KLFY)– Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser visited Acadiana on Tuesday to get a firsthand look at what makes Louisiana a top contender in the Seafood and Tourism industries.

More than 850-million pounds of seafood is produced right here in Louisiana each year. It’s a type of natural resource that keeps our seafood and tourism economy thriving.

Seafood and tourism account for nearly $14-billion of Louisiana’s revenue.

Lieutenant Governor, Billy Nungesser said government officials need to do a better job of promoting Louisiana’s great outdoors.

“It’s a way of life for us. It’s a living for people here in the Atchafalaya Basin and all over Louisiana.” Said Nungesser.

During the tour, Nungesser spoke with locals about their concerns when it comes to hunting and fishing Louisiana waters.

“Fishing in the area, hopefully, it’s there forever,” said Henderson’s Mayor, Sherbin Collette, “the way the swamps and everything, it’s detrimental right now. We don’t know how long it’s going to last. If it continues the way it has been in the past 30-years, the swamps are going to be gone.”

Another topic of discussion was regulations on imported seafood.

Lieutenant Governor Nungesser hopes that after the presidential election, legislators can begin to put laws into place.

“Louisiana will be able to lead the fight to have some type of inspection of those imports to make it a fair playing ground for Louisiana products.”

Nungesser and Mayor Collette both believe the Corps of Engineers, who basically aim to protect the coast from hurricane and storm damage should work closer with locals. Those who know and have been fishing in the waters their entire lives.

For more stats and information on the impact, seafood has on our state’s economy, visit Louisiana Seafood.com