Archive for April, 2021

Gulf Council Seeks Applicants for its Scientific and Statistical Committees – Deadline Extended

raw Louisiana shrimp

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is seeking applicants for its Standing and Special Scientific and Statistical Committees (SSC). Current members must reapply to be considered for future membership. The Council has one standing and eight special Scientific and Statistical Committees comprised of individuals who have expertise in stock…

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Reminder: NOAA Rules Regarding TEDs During Recovery Efforts

Gulf of Mexico with shrimp boats in far distance

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reminds shrimpers who are actively participating in rescue or recovery efforts related to the sunken Seacor Power lift boat in both state and federal waters that turtle excluder devices (TEDs) must be completely removed and nets must have a tail bag that…

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90-Day Public Comment Period for Phase 0 Oyster Lease Applications Ends May 4

photo of three oyster boats in Gulf waters

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will conclude a 90-day public comment period for Phase 0 oyster lease applications on Tuesday, May 4. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission established the public comment period to bring transparency to the leasing process and provide coastal landowners with an opportunity…

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Gulf Council Recommends Increasing 2021 Red Snapper Catch Limits and Calibrating Recreational Landings Beginning in 2023

red snapper

The Council chose to increase the 2021 red snapper overfishing limit (OFL) to 25,600,000 pounds whole weight, and the 2021 acceptable biological catch (ABC) to 15,400,000 pounds whole weight, as recommended by the Scientific and Statical Committee (SSC). The revised 2021 red snapper catch limits are as follows:   The…

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Severe Weather Halts Production at the Michael C. Voisin Oyster Hatchery

tanks for oyster larvae at Sea Grant hatchery in Grand Isle

The Michael C. Voisin Oyster Hatchery sustained some minor damage due to the severe weather that moved through the Grand Isle area on Tuesday, April 13th.  Oyster larvae production at the hatchery will be delayed until repairs can be made and utility services restored.  The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and…

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Commercial Hook-and-Line Harvest of King Mackerel Opens Briefly in EEZ

king mackerel swimming

WHAT/WHEN: Commercial hook-and-line harvest of king mackerel in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico Southern Zone (depicted in map below) will reopen for five days in April 2021. Commercial harvest will reopen at 12:01 a.m., local time, on April 4, 2021, and close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on April 9,…

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