Finfish

NOAA Announces Survey Participation Requirement for GOM Federal For-Hire Permit Holders

Young man on charter boat holding bent rod with fish on line

As part of the Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting (SEFHIER) program, NOAA Fisheries is implementing an independent, dockside intercept survey called the SEFHIER Validation Survey. Vessels with federal for-hire permits for Gulf Reef Fish or Gulf Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fish are required to participate in the SEFHIER Validation Survey. When: Effective…

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Gulf Council Recommends Increasing Red Grouper Catch Limits

red grouper swimming along sea bottom

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council took final action on a Framework Action to increase the red grouper overfishing limit (OFL), acceptable biological catch (ABC), annual catch limits (ACLs) and annual catch targets (ACTs). Increases to catch levels from the Framework Action are contingent on approval and implementation of…

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Gulf Council Recommends New Cobia Catch Limits and Management Measures

Fisherman holding a cobia on boat

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council took final action on Coastal Migratory Pelagic Amendment 32: Modifications to the Gulf of Mexico Migratory Group Cobia Catch Limits, Possession Limits, Size Limits, and Framework Procedure. Cobia is jointly managed with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and all of the selected…

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LWFC Adopts Notice of Intent to Add Coastal Buffer Zones to Gulf Menhaden Harvest Regulations

menahden boats

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to add coastal buffer zones to Gulf menhaden harvest regulations. The proposed changes would modify the existing rule regarding where in Louisiana waters commercial harvest of gulf menhaden may occur.  The proposed changes would implement a coastwide…

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Recreational and Commercial Seasons For Lane Snapper Closing In Louisiana Waters

fishing rods on a boat

The recreational and commercial seasons for lane snapper in Louisiana waters will close at 12:01 a.m. on October 18, 2021, and will remain closed until January 1, 2022. The decision was made by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet, following notification by NOAA Fisheries that the Federal…

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Commercial and Recreational Closure of Mid-water Snapper in Federal Waters

fishing rods on a boat

What/When: Commercial and recreational harvest of mid-water snapper in Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) federal waters will close at 12:01 am, local time, on September 18, 2021. The mid-water snapper complex consists of blackfin snapper, queen snapper, silk snapper and wenchmen. Commercial and recreational harvest will reopen January 1, 2022. Why This…

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NOAA: Modifications to Vessel Monitoring System Reporting Requirements for Gulf Charter and Headboat Vessels

NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule that will establish Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) reporting requirements for Charter and Headboat Vessels with Gulf reef fish and Gulf coastal migratory pelagic federal permits. Regulations will be effective December 13, 2021. What This Means: The vessel owners or operators must install NOAA Fisheries…

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Hurricane Ida and Other Storm Recovery Resources

NOAA satellite image of Hurricane Ida, August 28, 2021

The Louisiana Hurricane Resources Web site, hosted by the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program, provides visitors with access to a wealth of data concerning storm preparedness and recovery, as well as archived information about Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Click here to visit the website.

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LDWF Warns Public of Potential Fish Kills Due to Hurricane Ida

Close up of redfish face

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) says it will investigate each one of the substantial fish kills it predicts throughout southeast Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Hurricane-related fish kills are generally caused by low dissolved oxygen (DO), and can occur from landfall of the storm until weeks after the…

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August 2021 Council Meeting Summary

LDWF staff holding a cobra on boat

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) met in San Antonio, Texas from August 23-26.  The meeting began with the induction of re-appointed members Susan Boggs, Jonathan ‘JD’ Dugas, and Dale A. Diaz. Bob Gill and Billy Broussard were inducted as new members.  These members are appointed to serve on…

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