NEW ORLEANS —

The oyster farming industry in Southeast Louisiana, which ranks No. 1 in commercial oyster production in the United States, has faced significant challenges from Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill, but it has shown resilience and recovery in the last 20 years.

"Our industry was standing in 27 feet of water from Katrina's storm surge. The storm heavily displaced 95% or more of the oyster fleet in Plaquemines Parish," said Mitch Jurisich, chairman of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force. Advertisement

After assessing the damage, Jurisich faced a heartbreaking reality, including losing about 60% of the crop.

"I had to check my oysters, and they were scoured out," said Jurisich.

Resuming operations was difficult due to limited resources.

"We still didn't have power, and lif

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