"The newsroom has been a useful vehicle to inform media and others interested in significant issues affecting the Louisiana seafood industry," says Ewell Smith, executive director for LSPMB. "With Hurricane Isaac bearing down on our Gulf coast, this was the perfect opportunity to support our industry and let the newsroom again do what it is meant to do."

The first story posted to the newsroom, entitled "Fishermen Prepare as Hurricane Isaac Takes Aim at New Orleans," highlights the challenges longtime industry fishermen are used to facing with tropical storms and hurricanes, but also the potential positive effects storms can bring long-term, like bringing in shrimp from offshore.

"We have done a fair amount of industry education on the newsroom site, often including nuances people didn't know about an issue," says Smith. "What always stays with readers is the steadfast spirit of our Louisiana fishermen."

In addition to up-to-date information about issues affecting the Louisiana seafood industry, the site features high-resolution photos and videos broadcast in HD.