Finfish

Louisiana Private Recreational Red Snapper Landing Estimates Through May 28, 2023

red snapper

Today, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) released the latest private recreational red snapper landing estimates through May 28, 2023. LA Creel, LDWF’s near real-time landings data collection program, indicates that 53,262 pounds, or 5.7 percent, of Louisiana’s 2023 annual private recreational allocation of 934,587 pounds have been…

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Recreational Closure of Red Grouper Harvest in Federal Waters of the Gulf of Mexico

red grouper swimming along sea bottom

NOAA Fisheries Bulletin What/When/Where: Recreational harvest of red grouper in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) will close at 12:01 am, local time, on July 21, 2023. Red grouper recreational harvest will be closed until the 2024 fishing year begins on January 1, 2024.   Why The Red Grouper…

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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: 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,…

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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…

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Gulf Council Seeks Applicants for its Coastal Migratory Pelagics Advisory Panel

school of tuna in blue water

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is accepting applications for membership on its Coastal Migratory Pelagics Advisory Panel. Advisory Panels are comprised of individuals who are knowledgeable and interested in the conservation and management of the fishery resources, or who are engaged in the harvest of Gulf of Mexico…

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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…

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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….

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Loan Opportunity Info Available for Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Participants

school of tuna in blue water

NOAA Fisheries is sending this notification to clarify information about loan opportunities through the federal Fisheries Finance Program (FFP) for Gulf of Mexico IFQ participants. The federal FFP is a direct government loan program that receives an annual loan authority from Congress to provide long-term loans to the commercial fishing…

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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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NOI to Remove Buoy Requirements from Freshwater Gill and Trammel Nets

hands of fisherman sorting freshwater fish such as shad and catfish in boat

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) today to remove the requirement of using international orange buoys to mark gill and trammel nets in fresh water.  The buoy requirement language was carried over to freshwater gear from the saltwater marking rule, and is being removed…

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