Opening Dates Announced for the Spring Inshore Shrimp Season and Remaining Offshore Waters

LDWF map of spring opening inshore season

Today, May 7, 2020, two actions were taken to open the 2020 inshore and offshore shrimp season.  The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission set the opening dates for the state inshore waters based on information provided by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) biologists and public comments. The…

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Gulf Council Asks for Information on Greater Amberjack

saltwater fish caught on charter trip hanging on sign

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council would like to gain a better understanding of greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico. It is seeking information from anglers and divers about what they have observed, including any “strange things,” that scientists and managers may need to know. Scientists are currently…

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Final Rule to Replace Historical Captain Permit

This final rule allows eligible historical captains the opportunity to replace their historical captain permits with standard federal charter/headboat for-hire permits for the reef fish and coastal migratory pelagic fisheries.  An eligible captain is one that had a valid, non-expired, or renewable historical captain permit as of October 25, 2018,…

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Modifications to the Commercial Greater Amberjack Trip Limit and Boundary for Reef Fish Management

greater amberjack

NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule modifying the greater amberjack commercial trip limit in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) and adjusting the state/federal boundary of several areas for reef fish management. WHEN THIS RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT: Regulations will be effective May 14, 2020. WHAT THIS MEANS: The greater amberjack…

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Harvester and Processor Recommendations for Handling Seafood during Pandemic

LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant developed a guidance document (in English and Spanish) for seafood processors to keep their workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic: Guidance for Seafood Processing Plants During COVID-19, and Respuesta a Emergencia de Salud Pública para Procesadores de Pescado y Mariscos durante COVID-19.  They can…

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Shrimp Season to Open in a Portion of State Outside Waters on April 17

fishing boat at sea

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced that the portion of state outside waters between Calliou Boca and the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel at Eugene Island shall reopen to shrimping at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on April 17, 2020. The area to open is defined as follows:  The eastern boundary…

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LDWF ALERT: Be Aware Of Fake Hunting and Fishing Announcements

fishing pier on Lake Pontchartrain

Recently, LDWF has had to respond to several fake news articles, one regarding increased fishing fines and, most recently, the supposed forced closure of hunting and fishing season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. None of it is true. Any valid information regarding LDWF actions is on our website at www.wlf.la.gov…

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Tips for Commercial Seafood Harvesters When Handling Seafood During the Coronavirus Pandemic

LDWF, LSU AgCenter, and Louisiana Sea Grant have produced a handout for commercial seafood harvesters to consider when handling seafood. These suggested handling techniques will help provide confidence to seafood buyers at all levels of the supply chain. The handout includes tips covering: What disinfectants may be used Considerations when…

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New Commercial Shrimpers Encouraged to Begin License Application Immediately

shrimp boat in Gulf of Mexico at dusk

Due to the recent office closures to the public, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) encourages new shrimpers to apply for their licenses immediately. LDWF staff are available to process their mailed applications. The department is issuing this reminder so new license applicants will have their licenses in-hand…

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LDWF Offices Closed to the Public Indefinitely Starting March 17

LA Fisheries Forward

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) offices throughout the state will be closed to the public indefinitely beginning Tuesday, March 17. To alleviate any additional public burden, LDWF is providing the public alternatives to process applications via mail, email and online. The summary below provides more information about how…

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