Finfish

Gulf Council Recommends Increasing Vermilion Snapper Catch Limits

Fresh vermilion snapper on ice

The Council took final action on a Framework Action to increase the vermilion snapper overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and annual catch limit. The most recent stock assessment (SEDAR 67, 2020) determined that the stock is not overfished nor experiencing overfishing. In addition to incorporating new recreational catch and effort…

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Study: 2020-21 hurricanes caused $579 million of damage to LA fishing industry

NOAA satellite image of Hurricane Ida, August 28, 2021

Hurricanes Laura, Delta, Zeta, and Ida, which swept through Louisiana during various points in 2020 and 2021, resulted in an estimated $579 million in losses to the state’s fisheries infrastructure, revenues, and biological resources, according to a study by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, LSU and Louisiana Sea…

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Venting Tools or Descending Devices Required for All Fishermen Targeting Reef Fish

photo of red snapper with barotrauma on descending device

The Direct Enhancement of Snapper Conservation and the Economy through Novel Devices Act of 2020 (DESCEND Act of 2020) was signed into law on January 13, 2021. The new Act will require commercial, for-hire, and private recreational vessels to have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to…

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Seafood HACCP and Sanitation Courses for Processors 2022

Picking crab meat

LSU AgCenter’s School of Food Sciences is offering two Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) related workshops for seafood dealers—specifically processors, packers, wholesalers, importers, harvesters and warehouses. Both courses will be held at LSU’s Efferson Hall, at the corner of Highland Rd. and E. Parker Blvd.; advance registration is required and…

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Louisiana Fisheries Forward Summit Postponed until March 1, 2023

image of fishing net laying on a dock

Louisiana Sea Grant College Program at LSU announces that the Louisiana Fisheries Forward Summit is postponed until March 1, 2023.  Normally held every two years, Summit is the state’s premier commercial fishing and seafood event that offers workshops, demonstrations, and expo. “It was a tough call to postpone, but Hurricane…

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LDWF Announces Commercial Fishing License Sale Locations and Dates

fishing pier on Lake Pontchartrain

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ (LDWF) new Commercial License fee structure went into effect on November 15, 2021. Commercial fishermen are also reminded that most of their licenses can be renewed online at www.wlf.la.gov by clicking on “Buy A License”. However, due to changes enacted in the 2021 legislative session, some…

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New Commercial Fishing Licenses Now Available

Gulf of Mexico with shrimp boats in far distance

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced that several changes made to Commercial License in the 2021 Legislative Session go into effect today (Nov. 15, 2021). Some of the new licenses include: The Freshwater Charter Guide License – Louisiana freshwater charter guides will be required to have a…

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LDWF, LSU conducting hurricane damage survey for commercial seafood industry

NOAA satellite image of Hurricane Ida, August 28, 2021

Was your marine fisheries/seafood business affected by Hurricane Ida, Laura, Delta or Zeta?  Whether those impacts were large or small, we want to hear from you! The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has teamed up with LSU to develop a survey of commercial business losses from these storms.  Please…

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October 2021 Council Meeting Summary

gray triggerfish

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) met in Orange Beach, Alabama October 25-28, 2021.  The meeting began with the Council populating its Council Committees through August 2022.  The following is a brief summary of the Council’s actions: Cobia The Council took final action on Coastal Migratory Pelagic Amendment…

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Implementation of the Vessel Monitoring System Reporting Requirements for Federally Permitted Charter and Headboat Vessels Delayed

charter boat deckhand gets fish on line for customer

Key Message: NOAA Fisheries is delaying the implementation of the Gulf of Mexico vessel monitoring system (VMS) requirement for the Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting Program from December 13, 2021, to March 1, 2022. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council requested the VMS requirement with the intention of enhancing…

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