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Crawfish prices increase ahead of Mardi Gras

Inflation and weather are two major factors in the decline of crawfish this year.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Many Cajun items are in high demand right now, as people prepare for Mardi Gras celebrations, and crawfish is on top of that list. 

Jose Deleon Montalvo, the General Manager of HardKnocks Sports Grill of Padre Island, tells me that due to inflation, the prices per pound of live crawfish have significantly increased.

"For a while, it was kind of difficult to make the decision to increase prices but at the same time we know that the demand for crawfish is there," Montalvo said. "They're selling a pound of crawfish for about $12 to $13 a pound. Compared to last year, it was probably like, you know, $9 to $10 a pound so it's a pretty big increase."

However, inflation is not the sole factor in the changes of crawfish this season. Droughts seen all over America have also caused a delay and shortage for these delicate crustaceans this season.

Some seasons can start in early January, this year it started pretty late. Since the majority of the crawfish comes from southern Louisiana, it depends on the weather over there. So if there is a drought over there, it's kind of hard to produce those crawfish.

With the popular Louisiana state holiday coming up, manager Irene Daniska said Pompano Seafood House and Oyster Bar will also be selling live crawfish to crowds celebrating fat Tuesday.

"Mardi Gras coming up people are excited, we're excited. We have the crawfish so come and see us," Daniska said.

Montalvo told 3NEWS that as crawfish season continues prices are expected to drop.

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