Fisherman outraged by freshwater impact on the Mississippi Sound

Many experts and local fisherman say the reopening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway has had negative effects on the Mississippi Sound.

Many local fishermen have reached out to News 25 and have stated that they have never experienced so much fresh water in the Sound before.

All of this freshwater has been having adverse effects on sea life including shrimp, oysters, dolphins, and endangered sea turtles. Commercial Fisherman Frank Parker said, “I have been commercial fishing out here for about 30 years and this is probably the worst amount of freshwater I have ever seen and I think it is a combination of the Bonnet Carre Spillway and all of the spring rain we’ve had. This year, the local fisheries are going to be devastated. It looks like it is going to be way worse than in the past so I don’t have a whole lot of hope in fishing local.”

Parker says he hopes to speak with elected officials in hopes of finding a solution for the Mississippi Sound.