Educational materials are on their way to all permit holders and are available online NOAA Fisheries and the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils are implementing the new Southeast For-Hire Electronic Reporting Program in January 2021. The intent of the program is to provide more timely catch information…
NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule for gray snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. This rule reduces the annual catch limit for Gulf of Mexico gray snapper. WHEN WILL THE RULE TAKE EFFECT: The rule becomes effective on December 17, 2020. WHAT THIS MEANS: The final rule reduces the annual catch…
On April 1, 2021, skimmer vessels 40 feet in length and over will be required by federal law to install turtle excluder devices (TEDs). The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will operate the Skimmer Turtle Excluder Device Reimbursement Program (STEDRP), which will reimburse up to 60 percent of the…
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is seeking public comment from all coastal stakeholders regarding its draft “Louisiana Oyster Management and Rehabilitation Strategic Plan.” The LDWF Office of Fisheries is responsible for the protection, conservation and replenishment of Louisiana’s renewable, aquatic natural resources, including Louisiana oysters. In the…
Greater Amberjack is an important recreational and commercial fish species in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic regions. To address management and stakeholder concerns about the Greater Amberjack fisheries in both regions, Congress authorized funding of $10 million for a multi-year Greater Amberjack Research Program to be implemented through…
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will again host its annual Derelict Crab Trap Rodeo volunteer cleanup event this February. LDWF encourages volunteers and sponsors to participate in these events to make this crab trap rodeo successful in 2021 and keep our Sportsman’s Paradise pristine. Volunteers Volunteers will…
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council met virtually on October 26-28, 2020. The Council began by populating its Council Committee Roster for October 2020 – August 2021. The meeting agenda was modified to allow Council members, fishermen, and the broader stakeholder community time to prepare for the anticipated landfall…