LA Fisheries Forward

Coastal Issues

2020 Derelict Crab Trap Cleanup Events; Volunteers Needed

pelicans watching LDWF agent handle trap

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will again host its annual Derelict Crab Trap Rodeo volunteer cleanup events during the month of February. The Derelict Crab Trap Removal Program was initiated by LDWF in 2004 to address the removal of derelict and abandoned crab traps.  Derelict traps increase…

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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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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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LDWF: All segments of fishing community that show impacts are covered by Governor’s request

Louisiana fishing boats

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) continues to measure the impacts that the historic flooding event has had on the state’s crucial aquatic life. Last month, Gov. John Bel Edwards’ requested a federal fisheries disaster declaration which could provide financial assistance to any segment of Louisiana’s fishing industry…

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LWF Commission Passes Resolution in Response to 2019 Flooding

birds in flight along Louisiana coastline

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission recently passed a resolution in response to the impacts of 2019 floodwaters on Louisiana’s fisheries. Water levels are expected to qualify this event as the longest flood fight in the state’s history. The resolution described the severity of the flood event and requested LDWF…

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Understanding Louisiana’s Path to a Federal Fisheries Disaster Declaration

fishing pier on Lake Pontchartrain

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards submitted a request to the U.S. Department of Commerce last week notifying the federal government that Louisiana’s fisheries are in a dire situation due to the extreme duration of high river levels. This year (2019) has been the wettest year on record in the Mississippi…

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LA Sea Grant Publishes ‘Disaster Declarations 101’

Louisiana fishing boats

In an effort to help fishermen understand a disaster declaration, the Louisiana Sea Grant Law & Policy Program has published ‘Disaster Declarations 101’.  See below, or download Disaster Declarations 101 PDF.  What does a disaster declaration mean? A disaster declaration is a tool that allows the federal government to provide…

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Gov. Edwards Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for Flooded Fisheries

high water on Mississippi River in Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE, La. –Gov. John Bel Edwards announced today that he has requested a federal fisheries disaster declaration for Louisiana from the U.S. Department of Commerce following impacts of the spring flood flight on the fishing industry in Louisiana. Troubling mortality rates among oysters, declining fish catches and the financial…

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