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. …
Today, May 7, 2020, two actions were taken to open the 2020 inshore and offshore shrimp season. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission set the opening dates for the state inshore waters based on information provided by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) biologists and public comments. The…
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…
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…
LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant developed a guidance document (in English and Spanish) for seafood processors to keep their workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic: Guidance for Seafood Processing Plants During COVID-19, and Respuesta a Emergencia de Salud Pública para Procesadores de Pescado y Mariscos durante COVID-19. They can…
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced that the portion of state outside waters between Calliou Boca and the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel at Eugene Island shall reopen to shrimping at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on April 17, 2020. The area to open is defined as follows: The eastern boundary…
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…
LDWF, LSU AgCenter, and Louisiana Sea Grant have produced a handout for commercial seafood harvesters to consider when handling seafood. These suggested handling techniques will help provide confidence to seafood buyers at all levels of the supply chain. The handout includes tips covering: What disinfectants may be used Considerations when…
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) offices throughout the state will be closed to the public indefinitely beginning Tuesday, March 17. To alleviate any additional public burden, LDWF is providing the public alternatives to process applications via mail, email and online. The summary below provides more information about how…
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced today that effective March 14 at 11:30p.m., commercial fishing for large coastal sharks in the aggregated large coastal and hammerhead groups (great hammerhead, scalloped hammerhead, smooth hammerhead, nurse shark, bull shark, lemon shark, sandbar shark, silky shark, spinner shark, and tiger…