Charter-for-hire

Swordfish and Roundscale Spearfish Regulations Modified for Consistency with Feds

charter boat deckhand gets fish on line for customer

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission passed a notice of intent at their meeting today to modify swordfish regulations.  The proposed rule would adjust swordfish possession limits to be 1 per angler or 4 per vessel on recreational trips, 1 per angler or 6 per vessel on charter vessels, and 1…

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LWFC Proposes Removal of Shark Closed Season

Young man on charter boat holding bent rod with fish on line

Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission passed a notice of intent at their meeting today to remove the shark closed season for recreational and commercial fishermen.  Currently, shark season is closed for 3 months from April to June for recreational and commercial possession.  The proposed regulations would remove the closed season….

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NOAA Fisheries Announces Increase to Red Grouper Catch Limits in the Gulf

red grouper swimming along sea bottom

Key Message: NOAA Fisheries announces the final rule for a framework amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico. This framework amendment and final rule will revise the overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, annual catch limits, and annual catch targets for Gulf of Mexico…

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For-Hire Vessels May Operate Under a Limited Exemption While Addressing Vessel Monitoring System Equipment Failures

Young man on charter boat holding bent rod with fish on line

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council took final action on a Framework Action to ensure that for-hire trips are not delayed or canceled in the event of vessel monitoring system equipment failures. As of March 1, 2022, vessels with charter vessel/headboat permits for reef fish and/or coastal migratory pelagics must…

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Gulf Council Recommends Modifying King Mackerel Catch Limits

king mackerel swimming

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council took final action on Framework Amendment 11 to Modify Gulf group king mackerel Overfishing Limit (OFL), Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) and Annual Catch Limits (ACL). The recent SEDAR 38 Update stock assessment determined that Gulf king mackerel is not overfished and is not experiencing…

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NOAA Fisheries Approves New Criteria for GOM Reef Fish and Red Drum Management

Man holding mutton snapper on boat

NOAA Fisheries approved new criteria to inform Gulf of Mexico reef fish and red drum management. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council recommended these criteria changes for two amendments, Amendment 48 to the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Amendment 5 to the…

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April 2022 Council Update

Gulf of Mexico with shrimp boats in far distance

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) met in Gulf Shores, Alabama April 4-7, 2022. The Council made preliminary appointments to its Coral, Data Collection, and Spiny Lobster Advisory Panels. Final appointments will be made during the June Council meeting after fishery violation background checks are completed. The Council also named the…

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Gulf Council Recommends Converting Remaining Historical Captains Permits to Standard Charter/Headboat Permits

Young man on charter boat holding bent rod with fish on line

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council took final action on a Framework Action to convert three Reef Fish and three Coastal Migratory Pelagic Historical Captain permits to standard federal for-hire Charter/Headboat Permits. A previous Council action allowed the replacement of valid or renewable Gulf historical captain coastal migratory pelagics…

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LDWF Announces Commercial Fishing License Sale Locations and Dates

Crab fisherman

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ new Commercial License fee structure went into effect on November 15, 2021.  Commercial fishermen are reminded that most of their licenses can be renewed online by going to wlf.louisiana.gov and clicking on the “Buy A License” link at the top of the webpage.  However, some licenses…

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