Lafayette, LA – Freezing temperatures sweeping through the region are having a significant impact on crawfish ponds, making it increasingly difficult for fishermen to catch their usual haul. The cold weather has slowed the activity of crawfish, and experts predict that higher prices could be on the horizon due to a reduced supply.
Crawfish, being cold-blooded creatures, rely on the surrounding water temperature to regulate their body heat. As temperatures drop, crawfish become less active, significantly reducing their feeding and growth. Mark Shirley, an expert with the LSU Ag Center, explained that with water temperatures dipping to around 45 degrees in some areas, like a pond in Abbeville, the creatures are not moving or feeding as much.
“During these cold spells, crawfish won’t be as active, and the catch will be a bit more limited,” said Shirley. “As the water warms in the coming weeks, we’ll see more activity, and the catch should improve.”
The forecast for the next few days, however, includes even colder temperatures, with subfreezing conditions expected overnight. These frigid temperatures are expected to further slow the crawfish activity, making it more difficult for farmers and fishermen to gather a large enough supply to meet demand.
As a result, local crawfish farmers may raise their prices in response to the decreased catch. “The colder weather will definitely impact the availability of crawfish for a short period, which could push prices up,” Shirley noted.
Despite the challenges posed by the cold snap, there is some good news for the upcoming season. Shirley highlighted that the overall outlook for crawfish supply this year is much more promising than last season. Warmer weather over the next few months is expected to boost crawfish activity, and the long-term supply is anticipated to be stronger.
While the current cold may cause some temporary disruptions, it is expected that the crawfish harvest will pick up as temperatures rise, ensuring a more plentiful supply later in the season.