Commercial Fishing

Final Rule Revises the Annual Catch Limit for Gray Snapper in the Gulf

NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule for gray snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. This rule reduces the annual catch limit for Gulf of Mexico gray snapper. WHEN WILL THE RULE TAKE EFFECT: The rule becomes effective on December 17, 2020. WHAT THIS MEANS: The final rule reduces the annual catch…

Meeting Dates for Skimmer Turtle Excluder Device Reimbursement Program (STEDRP)

On April 1, 2021, skimmer vessels 40 feet in length and over will be required by federal law to install turtle excluder devices (TEDs). The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will operate the Skimmer Turtle Excluder Device Reimbursement Program (STEDRP), which will reimburse up to 60 percent of the…

Give Your Input on Draft of LA Oyster Management and Rehabilitation Strategic Plan

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is seeking public comment from all coastal stakeholders regarding its draft “Louisiana Oyster Management and Rehabilitation Strategic Plan.” The LDWF Office of Fisheries is responsible for the protection, conservation and replenishment of Louisiana’s renewable, aquatic natural resources, including Louisiana oysters. In the…

Greater Amberjack Management Listening Sessions

saltwater fish caught on charter trip hanging on sign

Greater Amberjack is an important recreational and commercial fish species in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic regions. To address management and stakeholder concerns about the Greater Amberjack fisheries in both regions, Congress authorized funding of $10 million for a multi-year Greater Amberjack Research Program to be implemented through…

October Gulf Council Update

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council met virtually on October 26-28, 2020. The Council began by populating its Council Committee Roster for October 2020 – August 2021. The meeting agenda was modified to allow Council members, fishermen, and the broader stakeholder community time to prepare for the anticipated landfall…

NOAA Fisheries Announces a New and Improved Catch Shares Online System

NOAA Fisheries is currently developing an updated Catch Shares Online System. The new system will be hosted in a cloud application that should decrease the unexpected down-times in the future. As development of the new Catch Shares Online System is underway, NOAA Fisheries will be looking for volunteers, both shareholder…

Oyster Sack Limit Reduction in Calcasieu Lake Public Oyster Area

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has announced that the daily take and possession limit of oysters shall not exceed 10 sacks in Calcasieu Lake Public Oyster Area effective one half hour after sunrise next Friday (Oct. 30, 2020). Biological data collected post hurricanes Laura and Delta have…

New Video About Asian Carp

Louisiana Fisheries Forward has created a new video about Asian carp, titled, “When Fish Fly, Feast!” It’s a good reminder that as a terribly invasive species, Asian carp should never be thrown back alive. Consider cooking them up on the grill instead.

CARES Act Application Deadline Extended to November 23

Due to the impacts of hurricanes Laura and Delta, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is extending the application deadline by a month for the $14.6 million in financial assistance available to Louisiana’s fishing industry hurt financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. The original deadline was 11:59 p.m. Oct….

Feedback Requested: Derelict Crab Trap Removal Program Alternative Options

Since 2004, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), together with individual volunteers and organizations, has successfully removed and disposed of over 45,000 abandoned and derelict crab traps. The removal of these crab traps is especially important to boating safety and crab harvesting efforts. Looking for possible options to…

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