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CRAWFISH ENCHILADAS ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT Prejean’s Restaurant in Carencro and Broussard puts its own Louisiana twist on a Mexican classic, with Crawfish Enchiladas, a favorite at the Louisiana Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell. The restaurant has been a part of the festival for almost 35 years.

Photo by Romney Caruso

Indeed, the Rouse and Randazzo families have been in business together for over 20 years now, with no end in sight, because the people of Louisiana absolutely cannot get enough crawfish in their lives. According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, commercial fishermen and crawfish farmers in Louisiana lead the nation in crawfish production, supplying more than 100 million pounds per year, contributing $300 million to the state’s economy each year. “It's rewarding to be a part of such an important and celebrated industry,” says Glenda. “We stand hopeful that this season will be another good one for both the Rouses and Randazzo families — and for all the families in our community.”

drought stress crawfish populations, deterio rate water quality, and disrupt breeding and growth cycles, leading to smaller harvests. Add in higher temperatures, which also affect crawfish health and size, and you’ve got reduced yields and new challenges. Water flow is crucial: Stagnant or slow-moving water during droughts can affect habitat quality, as well as crawfish survival and growth. And sometimes, waterways dry up and you simply can’t get to them. 2023 was one of the drought years, as anyone who endured that summer can attest. In fact, Louisiana had the highest percentage of “exceptional drought” in the state’s history. (The one time being exceptional is bad!) “We are optimistic but anxious,” says Glenda, as crawfish season gets underway. “But that’s every year — this year is no different than any other, we have to keep reminding ourselves.” Nothing stops crawfish season. It might be slow this year, but it is happening, and whenever they’re available, you’ll find the best prices for them at your local Rouses.

Nothing stops crawfish season. It might be slow this year, but it is happening, and whenever they’re available, you’ll find the best prices for them at your local Rouses.

28 ROUSES SPRING 2024