Crab

Louisiana’s Seafood Future Releases 2019 Findings Report on Fishing Industry and Coastal Change

shorebirds and pelican in shallow water at Grand Isle

Louisiana’s Seafood Future released a report that summarizes a year of outreach to the Louisiana seafood industry. The report’s findings draw on public meetings with and surveys completed by seafood industry members in the last year. Governor John Bel Edwards spurred this effort in early 2018, when he asked the…

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LDWF Data Updates Loss of Aquatic Resources from Historic 2019 Flooding

Gulf of Mexico with shrimp boats in far distance

The lingering effects of the 2019 record floodwaters on Louisiana’s aquatic life continue to be measured by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.  The Mississippi River remained above flood stage for a historic length of time, with records dating back to 1900.  Additionally, local rainfall also impacted other drainages. …

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Reminder of Current Blue Crab Harvest Regulations

crab traps floating in water

At its September 6, 2018 meeting, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission adopted a Notice of Intent to change regulations for the recreational and commercial harvest of blue crabs in 2019.  The rule prohibits the recreational and commercial take and/or possession of female blue crab for a 35-day period beginning…

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LDWF: All segments of fishing community that show impacts are covered by Governor’s request

Louisiana fishing boats

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) continues to measure the impacts that the historic flooding event has had on the state’s crucial aquatic life. Last month, Gov. John Bel Edwards’ requested a federal fisheries disaster declaration which could provide financial assistance to any segment of Louisiana’s fishing industry…

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LDWF Plans Six Crab Trap Closures Along Coast for Derelict Crab Trap Collection

derelict crab trap

Since 2004, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, together with individual volunteers and organizations, has successfully removed and disposed of over 41,000 abandoned and derelict crabs. The removal of these crab traps is especially important to boating safety and crab harvesting efforts. Last year, LDWF, Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation…

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LDWF preliminary findings show flooding affecting shellfish, finfish

Photo of a typical landscape of the Atchafalaya River Basin

The recent Louisiana high water events along with the opening of the Bonne Carre’ Spillway are having a noticeable effect on the state’s supply of oysters, shrimp, crab and finfish, according to preliminary assessments from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). Preliminary results from monitoring of commercial harvest…

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LDWF Commercial Fishing Licenses To Be Available At Field Offices

Sunset on the Gulf of Mexico

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will offer new and renewals of commercial fishing licenses and motorboat registration from the following locations: Bourg Office April 23-25, 2019 467 Texas Gulf Road Bourg, LA 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. New Orleans Office April 30-May 2, 2019 2045 Lakeshore Drive Suite…

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LDWF Announces 2019 Derelict Crab Trap Cleanup; Volunteers Needed

Boat full of recovered abandoned traps.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will again host its annual Derelict Crab Trap Rodeo with two volunteer cleanup events during the month of February. The Derelict Crab Trap Removal Program was initiated by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) in 2004 to address the removal of…

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