Artificial Reef Program Reminds Shrimpers of Reef Locations in Lake Borgne and Mississippi Sound

fishing boat at sea

The Lake Borgne, Grand Banks, West Karako Bay, and Cabbage Reef artificial reef sites were established in April 2020.  Buoys were placed at each reef site at the time of deployment but are currently missing. LDWF is working to replace the buoys on these reefs and reminds shrimpers to be…

Read More

Opening Dates for the 2021 Spring Inshore Shrimp Season

Louisiana coastal map showing inside waters opening May 24, 2021

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has set the opening dates for the state inshore waters based on information provided by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) biologists and public comments. The Commission action sets the opening date of the spring inshore shrimp season as follows: All Louisiana inshore…

Read More

LWFC Passes a Notice of Intent to Update the Domesticated Aquatic Organism Rules

image of fishing net laying on a dock

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approved a Notice of Intent (NOI) to update the Domesticated Aquatic Organism (DAO) rules and add species to the list of permitted species. The NOI proposes the addition of four groups to the approved DAO list and removes some that are no longer under…

Read More

Shrimp Season to Open May 10 in the Remaining State Outside Waters

shrimp boat Grand Isle Louisiana

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced that the portion of state outside waters between the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel at Eugene Island westward to the western shore of Freshwater Bayou Canal shall reopen to shrimping at 6:00 a.m. on May 10, 2021. The closure area is defined as…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More