Archive for October, 2021

Implementation of the Vessel Monitoring System Reporting Requirements for Federally Permitted Charter and Headboat Vessels Delayed

charter boat deckhand gets fish on line for customer

Key Message: NOAA Fisheries is delaying the implementation of the Gulf of Mexico vessel monitoring system (VMS) requirement for the Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting Program from December 13, 2021, to March 1, 2022. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council requested the VMS requirement with the intention of enhancing…

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NOAA Announces Survey Participation Requirement for GOM Federal For-Hire Permit Holders

Young man on charter boat holding bent rod with fish on line

As part of the Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting (SEFHIER) program, NOAA Fisheries is implementing an independent, dockside intercept survey called the SEFHIER Validation Survey. Vessels with federal for-hire permits for Gulf Reef Fish or Gulf Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fish are required to participate in the SEFHIER Validation Survey. When: Effective…

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Gulf Council Recommends Increasing Red Grouper Catch Limits

red grouper swimming along sea bottom

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council took final action on a Framework Action to increase the red grouper overfishing limit (OFL), acceptable biological catch (ABC), annual catch limits (ACLs) and annual catch targets (ACTs). Increases to catch levels from the Framework Action are contingent on approval and implementation of…

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Gulf Council Recommends New Cobia Catch Limits and Management Measures

Fisherman holding a cobia on boat

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council took final action on Coastal Migratory Pelagic Amendment 32: Modifications to the Gulf of Mexico Migratory Group Cobia Catch Limits, Possession Limits, Size Limits, and Framework Procedure. Cobia is jointly managed with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and all of the selected…

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Oyster Lease Renewals Will Begin on November 1

sacks of oysters with shucking tool and gloves on top

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will begin renewing oyster leases for the 2021-2022 lease renewal period on Monday, November 1.  As in prior years, oyster leases will be renewed in person at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) office in New Orleans.  Instructions on how to…

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LWFC Adopts Notice of Intent to Add Coastal Buffer Zones to Gulf Menhaden Harvest Regulations

menahden boats

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to add coastal buffer zones to Gulf menhaden harvest regulations. The proposed changes would modify the existing rule regarding where in Louisiana waters commercial harvest of gulf menhaden may occur.  The proposed changes would implement a coastwide…

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LA Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Sets the 2021-2022 Oyster Season

Map of open oyster harvest areas for 2021-2022 season

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission set the 2021-2022 oyster season based on the annual oyster stock assessment provided by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologists and comments received from members of the public, including the oyster industry. The following dates were set for the upcoming oyster season:…

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LA Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Designates Lake Barre as Temporary Natural Reef

Map of Lake Barre Temporary Natural Reef

Acting upon request of the oyster industry, state-owned water bottoms in Lake Barre, Terrebonne Parish, were designated as a Temporary Natural Reef today by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. Due to the overall declining availability of oyster resources on the public oyster seed grounds, the lack of available state-owned…

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Recreational and Commercial Seasons For Lane Snapper Closing In Louisiana Waters

fishing rods on a boat

The recreational and commercial seasons for lane snapper in Louisiana waters will close at 12:01 a.m. on October 18, 2021, and will remain closed until January 1, 2022. The decision was made by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet, following notification by NOAA Fisheries that the Federal…

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