Commercial Fishing

LDWF, LDR Resume Partnership to Expedite Boat Registrations

four men fishing from inshore charter boat

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) are resuming their partnership to expedite the process of registering boats. Beginning March 28, an LDR representative will be on-site at LDWF Headquarters in Baton Rouge every Monday from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Since…

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NIOSH Fishing Survey Inquiry

shrimp boat in Gulf of Mexico at dusk

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is working on a research project with commercial fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico. Specifically about the commercial fishing experience and fishing equipment used on the boat. We are looking to hear from professionals and key stakeholders, who are knowledgeable about…

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Commercial Large Coastal Shark Possession Limit Increases to 55

blacktip shark

Officials with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the daily possession limit for commercially harvested large coastal sharks (great hammerhead, scalloped hammerhead, smooth hammerhead, nurse shark, blacktip shark, bull shark, lemon shark, sandbar shark, silky shark, spinner shark, and tiger shark) is increasing from 45 to 55 per…

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NOI To Set Annual Commercial And Recreational Closed Season For Flounder

box of several flounder and one black drum

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) has adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to set an annual closed season for the recreational and commercial harvest of Southern Flounder from October 15 through November 30 of each year. Modifications in this rule create one statewide closed season for Southern Flounder…

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January 2022 Council Update

Gulf of Mexico with shrimp boats in far distance

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council met virtually from January 24-27, 2022. The Council began by electing Dr. Greg Stunz as Vice Chair. The Council also revised and adopted Committee assignments through August 2022. The following is a brief overview of what was accomplished during the meeting: Vermilion Snapper After hearing…

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LDWF Estimates Inland Fish Kills Following Hurricane Ida

NOAA satellite image of Hurricane Ida, August 28, 2021

Following Hurricane Ida’s August 29 landfall, LDWF staff estimate that approximately 280 million fish were killed in inland waters, over an area that spanned approximately 1.8 million acres. LDWF staff notes strongly that there is no way to know exactly how many fish were killed following the storm. However, biologists…

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As Derelict Crab Trap Cleanup Events Approach, Volunteers are Still Needed

Boat full of recovered abandoned traps.

Time is running out to sign up to participate in the 2022 derelict crab trap rodeo events.  Two events are scheduled for this year: one in the Barataria Basin and one in the Calcasieu Basin (more details below). These rodeo events allow LDWF and members of the public to work…

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Louisiana Shrimp Season to Close January 24 in Portions of State Inshore and Outside Waters

Map showing shrimp closure lines off coast of Louisiana

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the 2021 fall shrimp season will close at official sunset on Monday, January 24, in the following portions of the state inside and outside waters: Lake Pontchartrain, Chef Menteur and Rigolets Passes, Lake Borgne, Mississippi Sound, Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO), a…

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