Commercial Fishing

As Derelict Crab Trap Cleanup Event Approaches, Volunteers are Still Needed

derelict crab trap

Time is running out to sign up to participate in the 2023 derelict crab trap rodeo event. The event will take place this year in the Terrebonne Basin (more details below). This rodeo event allows LDWF and members of the public to work hand-in-hand, removing derelict crab traps that create…

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Notice of Intent to Reduce Cobia Recreational and Commercial Bag Limits

illustration of a cobia fish by Diane Rome Peebles

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to decrease the current 2 fish daily bag limit to 1 fish daily per person and establish a two fish per vessel / per day limit regardless of the number of trips for both recreational and commercial harvest….

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Shrimp Season to Close December 19 in Portions of State Waters

map of Louisiana coast illustrating areas to close December 19, 2022

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced that the 2022 fall inshore shrimp season will close in all state inside waters on Monday, December 19, 2022, at official sunset, except for the following inside waters east of the Mississippi River: Chef Menteur and Rigolets Passes, Lake Borgne, Mississippi Sound, Mississippi…

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Final Rule to Implement Two Framework Actions for Gulf Red Snapper

red snapper

Key Message: NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule that will implement two framework actions under the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico; Modifications to Data Calibrations (Data Calibrations Framework) and Annual Catch Limits (Catch Limits Framework) for Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) Red Snapper….

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October 2022 Council Meeting Summary

gray triggerfish

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council met in Biloxi, Mississippi, on October 24-27, 2022. The meeting began with the Council populating its’ Council Committees through August 2023. NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Janet Coit provided remarks to the Council and stakeholders on agency priorities. Additionally, the Council heard presentations on the Joint Council Workgroup…

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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: New Orleans Office 2045 Lakeshore Drive Suite 438 New Orleans Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 8am – 3:30pm Lake Charles Office **NEW LOCATION** 1025 Tom Watson Rd….

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Register NOW for Summit, Early Bird Prize Drawing

vendor booths set up at Pontchartrain Center at Summit 2020

The Louisiana seafood industry is working to Recover + Rebuild + Reinvent post COVID and hurricanes. You’re getting back to business, and it’s the perfect time to catch up on what’s new at the Louisiana Fisheries Forward Summit on March 1, 2023, at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. REGISTER NOW for an Early Bird Drawing — We are giving…

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Reminder: Flounder Season Set to Close October 15 to November 30

box of several flounder and one black drum

An annual closed season for the recreational and commercial harvest of Southern Flounder from October 15 through November 30 of each year has been finalized. 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…

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LDWF: 2023 Derelict Crab Trap Cleanup Event; Volunteers and Sponsors Needed

People returning derlict crab traps

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will host its annual Derelict Crab Trap Rodeo volunteer cleanup event this February.  LDWF encourages volunteers and sponsors to participate in these events to make the crab trap rodeos successful in 2023 and keep our Sportsman’s Paradise pristine. Volunteers Volunteers will help…

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LDWF has Completed the Construction of Two Oyster Reefs in Drum Bay

loading oyster cultch onto boat

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has completed the construction of two oyster reefs totaling approximately 230 acres in Drum Bay (St. Bernard Parish) to increase oyster habitat and fisheries production. The construction process, known as cultch planting, is a proven habitat improvement technique used by LDWF. This…

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