Even though Louisiana is a small state with a relatively small population, when it comes to natural resources, we are vital to the Nation's economy. As far as seafood and agricultural products, Louisiana is #1 in: *shrimp *oysters *blue crabs *crawfish *alligator meat and leather products *fur-bearing animals *menhaden fish (Cajun nicknamed 'pogies') which is the main food for the poultry and the farm-raised catfish industry. This feed product helps contribute to the relative affordability of poultry. A significant amount is also utilized as an additive for pet food. Note: In 2004, the year before Hurricane Katrina, the port of Empire-Venice lead the nation in total fish catch by tonnage(400 million lbs) of which menhaden was a significant percentage. Louisiana is #2: *sugar (Domino's sugar refinery is the 2nd largest in the world) *rice When it comes to energizing this nation, Louisiana is absolutely critical. Louisiana is #1: *crude oil production *natural gas *liquefied gas capacity *imported oil, which represents about 70% of total oil consumption in the U.S. *mineral revenue *outer continental shelf oil extraction *TOTAL REVENUE FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT (only 2nd to the IRS) Louisiana is #2: *future natural gas reserves *petroleum refining capability *total petroleum production *TOTAL ENERGY PRODUCTION Louisiana also contains the largest port complex (New Orleans to Baton Rouge) in the nation. Louisiana is the #1 importer of: *Steel *Coffee *Oil *Rubber Based on per capita income, Louisianans give more to charities than any other state. Per capita more Louisianans lose their lives in the military than any other state in the nation. The BP oil crisis threatens all of these resources vital not only to this country's economic health, but ultimately, to it's security.