Commercial Harvest of King Mackerel in EEZ Western Zone Closes November 21

king mackerel swimming

Commercial harvest of king mackerel in federal waters of the Western Zone will close at 12:00 pm, central time, on November 21, 2019.  Commercial harvest will reopen at 12:01 am, central time, on July 1, 2020. WHY THIS CLOSURE IS HAPPENING: The 2019/2020 commercial Western Zone quota is 1,096,000 pounds.  Updated…

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Gulf Council Asks for Information on Vermilion Snapper

Fresh vermilion snapper on ice

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council would like to gain a better understanding of vermilion snapper (a.k.a. beeliner) in the Gulf of Mexico. It is seeking information from anglers and divers about trends or “strange things” that scientists and managers may need to know. A scientific stock assessment of…

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LA Commercial Fishing Licenses & Trip Ticket Training at Field Offices

Sunset on the Gulf of Mexico

For a limited time, fishermen can get their commercial fishing licenses, and trip ticket training, at the following field offices/dates: November 19 – 21, 2019 8 am – 3:30 pm LDWF Bourg Office 468 Texas Gulf Road, Bourg, LA December 3 – 5, 2019 8 am – 3:30 pm LDWF…

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Gulf Council Recommends Modifying For-Hire Multi-Day Trip Possession Limit

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council took final action on a framework action that considers modifying federal for-hire multi-day trip possession limits. The Council recommends allowing anglers on federal for-hire fishing trips that last longer than 30 hours to possess two daily bag or vessel limits at any time…

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New Phone Numbers Available For Sea Turtle And Marine Mammal Strandings

turtle excluder device with turtle escaping

New phone numbers to report sea turtle and marine mammal strandings in Louisiana are now available. The public is encouraged to report strandings as soon as possible with as much information, such as photos and GPS location, as can be obtained to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) at…

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Louisiana’s Seafood Future Releases 2019 Findings Report on Fishing Industry and Coastal Change

shorebirds and pelican in shallow water at Grand Isle

Louisiana’s Seafood Future released a report that summarizes a year of outreach to the Louisiana seafood industry. The report’s findings draw on public meetings with and surveys completed by seafood industry members in the last year. Governor John Bel Edwards spurred this effort in early 2018, when he asked the…

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LDWF Artificial Reef Program’s Master Plan Addresses Loss of Shallow-water Platforms Along LA Coast

tarpon swimming around submerged pipes

Gov. John Bel Edwards and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Jack Montoucet have announced the LDWF’s Artificial Reef Program will help Louisiana anglers by preserving offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico where oil and gas platforms in less than 100 feet of water are being removed….

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Continuation of Reductions in Gulf of Mexico Red Grouper Catch Levels

fishing rods on a boat

KEY MESSAGE: NOAA Fisheries has published a final rule that continues reductions in the Gulf of Mexico red grouper commercial and recreational annual catch limits and associated annual catch targets put in place through an emergency action requested by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. The emergency action reduced…

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Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) Solicits Participants for 2020

hooks on a basket

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute is pleased to announce the eighth offering of the Marine Resources Education Program (MREP) in the Southeast fishery region. MREP provides fishermen and others interested in federal fisheries with an opportunity to gain insight into how fisheries data are collected and how those data…

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LDWF Data Updates Loss of Aquatic Resources from Historic 2019 Flooding

Gulf of Mexico with shrimp boats in far distance

The lingering effects of the 2019 record floodwaters on Louisiana’s aquatic life continue to be measured by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.  The Mississippi River remained above flood stage for a historic length of time, with records dating back to 1900.  Additionally, local rainfall also impacted other drainages. …

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