The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of pathogenic bacteria, specifically Escherichia coli and Salmonella and Vibrio species, and their antimicrobial resistance in shrimp aquaculture facilities of Bagerhat (Bangladesh). Sediment samples were collected from both Penaeus monodon and Macrobrachium rosenbergii farms and shrimp samples from the Macrobrachium rosenbergii facility. The abovementioned bacteria were not found, but five Enterobacterales (Proteus penneri, Proteus alimentorum, Morganella morganii, Enterobacter hormaechei subsp. xiangfangensis and Plesiomonas shigelloides) were detected. This is the first documented case of Enterobacter hormaechei subsp. xiangfangensis in a shrimp farm. Nine antibiotics—ampicillin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, oxytetracycline, nitrofurantoin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, and co-trimoxazole—were selected for antibiotic resistance testing, and the majority (88.9%) had at least one isolate that was resistant. Across sources, 78.0% of isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial, and multidrug resistance was also detected in 29.3% of all isolates. Despite the low number of samples analyzed, nine in total, the results of this experiment emphasize that shrimp farms in Bagerhat may have a problem with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This could have negative impacts on shrimp quality and consumers’ health.

The Louisiana commercial shrimp fishery has faced numerous challenges, and the number of fishermen is declining at an alarming rate. The opportunity may exist to add value to the industry by creating a superior product through optimal operating procedures. Post-harvest processes of plate freezing were analyzed to develop a high-quality shrimp product capable of fostering economic growth for fishermen. Sulfite-free melanosis prevention testing used 4-hexylresorcinol treatments in combination with vacuum-packing and modified atmosphere packing to delay the onset of black spot. The physical and chemical properties of plate frozen shrimp were analyzed from collaborating fishermen. Results found 4-hexylresorcinol products successfully inhibited black spot development for up to 10 days. Vacuum-packing and modified atmosphere packing did not have significant effects on melanosis inhibition. The use of plate freezers both onboard and at docks has the potential to improve shrimp quality, as well as advance the economic stability of the industry.

Samples of wild shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus and Farfantepenaeus aztecus) from Louisiana, USA and farmed Bangladesh shrimp (Macrobrachium rosenbergii, Penaeus monodon, Macrobrachium villosimanus, and Macrobrachium malcomsonii) were screened for sulfite residue and compared to control shrimp treated with known amounts of sulfites. Sulfite residues of >10 ppm (detection limit) were observed in 17 to 33% of Louisiana shrimp and 10 to 20% of Bangladesh shrimp. However, not all treated control shrimp tested positive for sulfite residue. For Louisiana shrimp, 30 to 80% of replicate shrimp within a positive control sample tested >10 ppm. In Bangladesh, 20 to 40% of replicate shrimp within a positive control sample tested >10 ppm. This work indicated that sulfite use is still common, and anyone with a sulfite-triggered health issue should take caution in consuming shrimp from only trusted sulfite-free sources.

As an important contributor to Louisiana’s economy, the commercial freshwater fisheries have been the subject of growing attention in recent years by resource managers as the industry appears to be on the brink of collapse. Fewer participants are entering the field, fish buyers and processors are closing, and market prices remain stagnant. To better understand this industry, we conducted a study to characterize the commercial freshwater fisheries in Louisiana including the fishermen, the fishing operations, the effort across the state, local knowledge on management issue and barriers and opportunities for the future of the industry. We completed structured interviews at fish houses across Louisiana. The average full-time fisherman was 56 years old with about 34 years of commercial fishing experience, and catfish (Ictaluridae spp.) and buffalo (Ictobius spp.) appear to be the most sought-after finfish; however, this slightly differs by region. Overall, this study provides in-depth insight into the trends, problems, and successes of Louisiana’s freshwater commercial fisheries. This information will allow managers and other groups like cooperative extension to identify and design opportunities for the industry and utilize their information in management across the state.