Alternative Oyster Culture

LDWF Announces Funding Availability for Large-Scale Alternative Oyster Culture Projects

LA Fisheries Forward caged oysters

Utilizing funding provided by the Louisiana Legislature through the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA), the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is announcing funding availability for large-scale Alternative Oyster Culture (AOC) projects in Louisiana.  This grant program is focused on providing economic assistance to projects that have the…

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LDWF to Begin Online Ordering for Oyster Hatchery Larvae

oyster shells

On April 14, 2023, at 8:00 a.m., the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will open its online ordering portal to provide the oyster industry with hatchery-reared oyster larvae produced at the Michael C. Voisin Oyster Hatchery. Requests will only be taken via the online ordering portal and filled…

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Third Round Alternative Oyster Culture Grant Recipients Announced

oyster farm at Sea Grant hatchery

The third round of Alternative Oyster Culture (AOC) grants, totaling $470,000, have been announced. Six grow-out farm grants were awarded to: Larry (Terrell) Boudin Kirk Daigle Hubern Ray Doxey, Jr Mervin B. Mallet Ryan Mallory Anthony Theriot Two additional AOC parks also received funding: Southern Belle AOC Park, located south…

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Louisiana Fisheries Forward Summit 2023: Finding New Opportunities for Innovation

vendor booths set up at Pontchartrain Center at Summit 2020

Commercial fishermen, dock owners and processors will have the opportunity to learn about issues facing their industry at the Louisiana Fisheries Forward Summit, Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd., Kenner. Admission is free, but advance registration is required for those wanting lunch.  This expo is…

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Second Round Alternative Oyster Culture Grant Recipients Announced

shucked cage grown oyster in gloved hand

The second round of Alternative Oyster Culture (AOC) grants, totaling $465,000, have been announced. Thirteen grants were awarded to: Ryan Anderson, for a grow-out farm Albert Besson, dba Barataria Beauties Oyster Company, for a grow-out farm Michael “Laine” Fontenot, Gulf of Mexico Tuna Company, for a grow-out farm Khai Dang,…

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LDWF Announces Commercial Fishing License Sale Locations and Dates

fishing boats

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will offer new or renewal commercial fishing licenses and boat registration transactions at the following locations: New Orleans Office 2045 Lakeshore Drive Suite 438 New Orleans Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 8am – 3:30pm Lake Charles Office **NEW LOCATION** 1025 Tom Watson Rd….

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Register NOW for Summit, Early Bird Prize Drawing

vendor booths set up at Pontchartrain Center at Summit 2020

The Louisiana seafood industry is working to Recover + Rebuild + Reinvent post COVID and hurricanes. You’re getting back to business, and it’s the perfect time to catch up on what’s new at the Louisiana Fisheries Forward Summit on March 1, 2023, at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. REGISTER NOW for an Early Bird Drawing — We are giving…

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LA Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Sets the 2022-2023 Oyster Season

2022-2023 Oyster Season Statewide Open and Closed Map

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission set the 2022-2023 oyster season based on the annual oyster stock assessment provided by  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: The…

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New Cameron Alternative Oyster Culture Park under Development, Now Accepting Grow-out Farm Applicants

LA Fisheries Forward caged oysters

The Cameron Parish Port, Harbor and Terminal District has been selected for an Alternative Oyster Culture (AOC) grant in the amount of $100,000 to establish a new, 48-acre oyster Park at the southern end of Calcasieu Lake. The Port Commission recently approved the establishment of said Park and encourages potential…

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LWFC Passes NOI to Add Oysters, Brown Trout to Domesticated Aquatic Organism Approved Species List

LA Fisheries Forward caged oysters

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approved a Notice of Intent (NOI) to update the Domesticated Aquatic Organism (DAO) approved species list by adding Eastern Oyster and Brown Trout. In addition to adding these two species, the NOI proposes creating the Molluscan Shellfish permit and the Coldwater Trout permit. This…

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