Commercial Fishing

Reminder: Flounder Season Set to Close October 15 to November 30 for Commercial and Recreational Sectors

several flounder in ice chest

The annual closed season for the recreational and commercial harvest of Southern Flounder, from October 15 through November 30 of each year, is approaching. This statewide closure for Southern Flounder is for all sectors and all gear types, including any flounder caught as bycatch in any other fishery.  Exemptions that…

Read More

LDWF Plans Six Crab Trap Closures Along Louisiana Coast for 2024

People returning derlict crab traps

At today’s meeting, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) allowing the removal of derelict crab traps along Louisiana’s coast in 2024 from the six following described areas: The first closure will occur in the Pontchartrain Basin, between southern Lake Borgne and the eastern…

Read More

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…

Read More

Commercial Season for Greater Amberjack in Louisiana Waters to Close on June 23, 2023, Until January 1, 2024

greater amberjack

The commercial season for Greater Amberjack in Louisiana waters will close at 11:59 p.m. on June 23, 2023, and will remain closed until January 1, 2024. The decision was made by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Shadoin, following notification by NOAA Fisheries that the Federal waters of…

Read More

LDWF Announces Commercial Fishing License Sale Locations and Dates

fishing boats

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will offer new or renewal commercial fishing licenses and boat registration transactions at the following locations: Lake Charles Office **NEW LOCATION** 1025 Tom Watson Rd. Lake Charles, LA” April 24 & 25 9 am – 3:30 pm Lafayette Office 200 Dulles Drive Lafayette,…

Read More

Gulf Council Asks Fishermen for Information on Mutton Snapper

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

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council would like to gain a better understanding of what’s happening with mutton snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. The Council recognizes that as active fishermen, you may notice trends or interesting things happening in the Gulf that the scientists and managers may not…

Read More

Louisiana Fisheries Forward Summit 2023: Finding New Opportunities for Innovation

vendor booths set up at Pontchartrain Center at Summit 2020

Commercial fishermen, dock owners and processors will have the opportunity to learn about issues facing their industry at the Louisiana Fisheries Forward Summit, Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd., Kenner. Admission is free, but advance registration is required for those wanting lunch.  This expo is…

Read More

January 2023 Council Meeting Summary

gray triggerfish

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) met in Baton Rouge, Louisiana from January 30 – February 2, 2023. The Council heard a presentation on the Return ‘Em Right project and received and update from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Wind Energy Development in the Gulf of Mexico. Mr….

Read More

Shrimp Season Closes February 6 in a Portion of State Outside Waters

Shrimp closure map as of February 6, 2023

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the 2022 fall shrimp season will close at official sunset on Monday, February 6, 2023, in the following portions of the state outside waters: Outside waters between Caillou Boca and the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel at Eugene Island. The eastern boundary line…

Read More

Louisiana Shrimp Season to Close in Additional State Inshore Waters

Louisiana shrimp closure map as of January 23, 2023

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced that the 2022 fall inshore shrimp season will close at official sunset on Monday, January 23, in the following portions of the state inside waters: Chef Menteur and Rigolets Passes, Lake Borgne, Mississippi Sound, Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO), and a section…

Read More