Restaurants from around the nation are demanding more Louisiana alligator says Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board Chairman Harlon Pearce.

He credits out-of-state marketing and shows like 'Swamp People' for bringing even more attention to Cajun Cooking and some of the delicacies we enjoy here in Southeast Louisiana.

"We can't process enough alligator any longer.  Alligator is a very hot commodity, both locally and nationally.  And we're getting a lot of international calls as well. It's a hot ticket for the state," Pearce says.  "It's a good one because it gives our fisherman something else to make money with."

Pearce says the demand for gator is so dramatic, it's impossible to keep up.

He says even though they are shipping more and more gator all over the country, Louisiana restaurants get first dibs.

It's a strong testament to what a national spotlight can accomplish, Pearce says as "Price to the fisherman on alligator, on carcasses, went from fifty cents a pound to $2.50 a pound overnight," Pearce says.  "So our fisherman clearly benefited from the work of the board, and all our hard work and all the national notoriety we got.

And that's great news for those who make a living off the swamp, he adds because, "The fact that alligator has now picked up in price that gives them one more thing to add to their ability to make money."