A review of the market structure of the Louisiana oyster industry: a microcosm of the United States oyster industry

Louisiana enjoys the highest annual oyster production among all states, contributing over thirty percent of the total domestic supply of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. Over the last 2 decades, changes in oyster habitat, concerns over shellfish safety and government regulations have seriously affected the oyster industry in Louisiana and the United States. In an attempt to fill a research void identified by the Gulf Oyster Industry Program, this analysis identifies and assesses the Louisiana oyster industry size and value, product lines, market structure, distribution, and distribution channels. Recommendations to the Louisiana oyster industry include offering an array of value-added products that fit today's busy lifestyle, and addressing safety concerns through quality assurance to restore consumer confidence.