Photo Essay
Tom Billiot relaxes in his small bateau in route to check his traps along the bayou.
A male blue crab, one of many resources caught in the waters of Louisiana.
Billiot shows off one of the traps that he made-baited and ready for a “catch.”
The dock allows commercial fishermen the opportunity to shrimp on shore by lowering a butterfly net (only the frame shown here) designed to catch shrimp that move along the bayou with the current into the water.
In February, one of the months for “oyster season,”Billiot trudges through the muck to harvest what he can of the oysters exposed in the marsh at low tide. In a couple of months, these beds will always be covered by water as the change in seasons brings higher tides and oystering becomes a more difficult task.
Oysters are found grouped with clusters of barnacles that have lodged themselves on the pilings in the water.
Nutria have become a popular fur-trading item, and Billiot uses this homemade device to soften the nutria pelt as he prepares it for trade.
It takes many steps to prepare nutria pelts for trade. In time, Billiot hopes to increase his profits on the pelts by eventually doing his own tanning.
Tossing a cast net off the dock can be a quick method for catching fish and shrimp.
Billiot has a strong appreciation for the creatures of our land and sea, as seen with the turtle, one of many that he has caught and keeps as a pet.
Living by the Seasons in South Louisiana
photos by Kimberly Morand