MORGAN CITY - Morgan City's 90th annual Shrimp and Petroleum Festival is a huge opportunity for shrimp fishermen to be shown off to people from all over Louisiana, but at last year’s festival, the shrimp sold weren’t all from Louisiana.

A study conducted during last year’s festival revealed that the majority of shrimp was imported. However, a new state law took effect in January, which requires anyone selling imported seafood to tell consumers.

President of the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Charlie Solar Jr. in part blames rising costs for materials for fishermen and for vendors opting for imported, rather than locally sourced shrimp.

“Most people want the local, but don't want to pay the extra price," Solar said.

In Louisiana, there’s been a push to support local fishermen, and this year, a new law went into effect requiring any restaurant or vendor to inform customers when seafood products are not from domestic sources.

That change is being made at the festival as well.

"If you want to serve shrimp, it has to be domestic shrimp for you to sell at our festival,” Solar said. “If you do buy directly from one of our boats, you will be highlighted through the festival.”