Coastal Issues

Louisiana’s Fishing Disaster Determination Wins Federal Support

Louisiana commercial fishing

Today, Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the agency supports Louisiana’s request that a fishing disaster be declared for portions of the state’s saltwater finfish, oyster, and shrimping industries due to revenue losses caused by the 2020 hurricanes. The announcement, made in concert with the National Oceanic and…

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As Derelict Crab Trap Cleanup Events Approach, Volunteers are Still Needed

Boat full of recovered abandoned traps.

Time is running out to sign up to participate in the 2022 derelict crab trap rodeo events.  Two events are scheduled for this year: one in the Barataria Basin and one in the Calcasieu Basin (more details below). These rodeo events allow LDWF and members of the public to work…

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Study: 2020-21 hurricanes caused $579 million of damage to LA fishing industry

NOAA satellite image of Hurricane Ida, August 28, 2021

Hurricanes Laura, Delta, Zeta, and Ida, which swept through Louisiana during various points in 2020 and 2021, resulted in an estimated $579 million in losses to the state’s fisheries infrastructure, revenues, and biological resources, according to a study by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, LSU and Louisiana Sea…

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LDWF, LSU conducting hurricane damage survey for commercial seafood industry

NOAA satellite image of Hurricane Ida, August 28, 2021

Was your marine fisheries/seafood business affected by Hurricane Ida, Laura, Delta or Zeta?  Whether those impacts were large or small, we want to hear from you! The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has teamed up with LSU to develop a survey of commercial business losses from these storms.  Please…

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2022 Derelict Crab Trap Cleanup Events; Volunteers and Sponsors Needed

Boat full of recovered abandoned traps.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will host its annual Derelict Crab Trap Rodeo volunteer cleanup events this February.  LDWF encourages volunteers and sponsors to participate in these events to make the crab trap rodeos successful in 2022 and keep our Sportsman’s Paradise pristine. Volunteers Volunteers will help…

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Hurricane Ida and Other Storm Recovery Resources

NOAA satellite image of Hurricane Ida, August 28, 2021

The Louisiana Hurricane Resources Web site, hosted by the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program, provides visitors with access to a wealth of data concerning storm preparedness and recovery, as well as archived information about Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Click here to visit the website.

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LDWF Plans Four Crab Trap Closures Along Louisiana Coast

map of four crab trap closures in 2022

Since 2004, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has successfully removed and disposed of over 50,000 abandoned and derelict crab traps together with individual volunteers and organizations. The removal of these crab traps is critical to boating safety and crab harvesting efforts. Due to Covid-19, LDWF did not…

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The Council Asks for Recommendations on Ways to Conserve our Nation’s Waters

Sunset on the Gulf of Mexico

The President of the United States recently signed an Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.  The Executive Order aims to place the climate crisis at the forefront of the Nation’s foreign policy and national security planning. Section 216 of the Executive Order: Conserving our Nation’s Land…

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Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Adds 14 Additional Reefs

reef fish swimming in Flower Banks; photo from NOAA

The 14 additional reefs and banks are officially part of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS). As of March 22, 2021, FGBNMS encompasses 17 reefs and banks located approximately 80-125 miles off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana. These banks are a combination of small underwater mountains, ridges, troughs, and…

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