Charter-for-hire

Modifications to Charter Vessel and Headboat Electronic Reporting Requirements

saltwater fish caught on charter trip hanging on sign

NOAA Fisheries has published a final rule to modify reporting requirements for the owners or operators of vessels with Charter Vessel/Headboat federal permits for Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) reef fish or Gulf coastal migratory pelagics. WHEN THE RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT: The final rule will be effective on January 5,…

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June 2020 Council Update

hooks on a basket

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council met virtually June 15 – 18, 2020.  The following is a brief overview of what was accomplished. Fishing Access and Possession Allowances in Madison-Swanson and Steamboat Lumps Marine Protected Areas The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council took final action on a document…

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LDWF Asks Saltwater Anglers to Complete Web-Based Survey on Spotted Seatrout Management

two men fishing out of boat on Big Lake

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), Louisiana State University and Louisiana Sea Grant have released a survey to gather public input on spotted seatrout management options. This survey is an additional effort to collect public input on these options; we also conducted eight statewide public meetings earlier this…

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New COVID-19 Fact Sheets in Vietnamese

proper distancing graphic in Vietnamese

Fact sheets on COVID-19 specifically geared for commercial fishermen and processors have now been translated to Vietnamese.  Experts from LSU School of Nutrition and Food Sciences and Louisiana Sea Grant put together tips for how to properly handle seafood during a public health emergency. Click here for the processors fact sheet, titled…

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LDWF buildings reopen in BR May 15, statewide May 18

fishing pier on Lake Pontchartrain

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will be opening its offices in phases beginning Friday, May 15, at its headquarters in Baton Rouge and across the state on Monday, May 18. The Baton Rouge office, located at 2000 Quail Drive, is opening earlier to focus on the large…

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NOI to Modify the Minimum Commercial and Recreational Size Limits for Cobia

LDWF staff holding a cobra on boat

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to modify commercial and recreational minimum size limits for cobia. The proposed changes would modify the existing rule on the minimum commercial and recreational size limits for cobia from 33 inches fork length to 36 inches fork length. …

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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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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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