LNG Dredging Lawsuit: Louisiana Fishermen Fight Back

Commercial fishers, guides, and processors in southwest Louisiana have filed a lawsuit against Venture Global, accusing the liquefied natural gas company of ecological damage. The suit claims dredging operations for the new CP2 LNG terminal in Cameron Parish caused a sediment spill that decimated millions of oysters and reduced catches of various seafood species.

The spill, which occurred in August 2025, released an estimated 9,000 to 18,000 cubic yards of sediment into channels and marshes near Calcasieu Lake. This event, followed by further alleged accidents, has led to significant financial losses for plaintiffs like Anthony Theriot, who estimates over $450,000 in immediate damages.

The lawsuit names Venture Global, its dredging contractor Callan Marine Ltd., and engineering contractor Providence Engineering and Environmental Group as defendants. The Cameron Port, Harbor and Terminal District is also listed, with its director declining to comment due to ongoing litigation.

This action is at least the third legal dispute involving the CP2 project. Previous suits include one from a restaurant alleging damaged oysters and another from environmental groups challenging federal approval. The affected fishing community highlights a long-term decline in catches, attributing it to both the LNG project's activities and broader environmental changes.

Plaintiffs are seeking damages for lost catch, equipment, and persistent murky water. They argue that the dredging's impact on vital marsh habitats, critical for species like shrimp, will have lasting consequences. The community's heritage and livelihoods are at stake, with many questioning the long-term viability of the local fishing industry.