Fishery Management

Gulf Council Seeks Applicants for its Scientific and Statistical Committees – Deadline Extended

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is seeking applicants for its Standing and Special Scientific and Statistical Committees (SSC). Current members must reapply to be considered for future membership. The Council has one standing and eight special Scientific and Statistical Committees comprised of individuals who have expertise in stock…

Gulf Council Recommends Increasing 2021 Red Snapper Catch Limits and Calibrating Recreational Landings Beginning in 2023

The Council chose to increase the 2021 red snapper overfishing limit (OFL) to 25,600,000 pounds whole weight, and the 2021 acceptable biological catch (ABC) to 15,400,000 pounds whole weight, as recommended by the Scientific and Statical Committee (SSC). The revised 2021 red snapper catch limits are as follows: The…

NOI to Restrict All Oyster Harvest On Four Proposed Broodstock Reefs

Today, the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission passed a Notice of Intent (NOI) to add four proposed recreational oyster broodstock reefs to Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC) 76:VII.537, which restricts all oyster harvest on reefs listed under that rule. The Department plans to construct all four reefs using oyster cultch material by…

LDWF Announces Process to Lift Oyster Moratorium

hands holding single oyster, with oysters in background

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is lifting the long-standing oyster lease moratorium, which has been in effect since 2002. The moratorium, which halted LDWF’s practice of leasing state-owned water bottoms to private entities for oyster cultivation, was originally instituted by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission at…

January 2021 Gulf Council Meeting Summary

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council met virtually from January 25 – 28, 2021. During the meeting, the Council presented Sergeant Scott Dupre of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries with the 2019 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award. The Council also heard a presentation on Deepwater Horizon Open…

Commercial Gillnet Harvest of King Mackerel in Southern Zone-Federal Waters Closed

Commercial gillnet harvest of king mackerel in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico Southern Zone closed at 12 p.m., local time, on January 28, 2021. Commercial king mackerel gillnet harvest will reopen at 6:00 a.m., (local time) on January 18, 2022. The Gulf of Mexico Southern Zone includes federal waters…

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

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the 2020 fall shrimp season will close at official sunset on Sunday, 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…

Gulf Council Asks for Information on Gag Grouper

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council would like to gain a better understanding of gag grouper in the Gulf of Mexico. It is seeking information from anglers and divers about what they have observed, including any “strange things” that scientists and managers may need to know. Scientists are currently…

Comment Period Extended for LA Oyster Management and Rehabilitation Strategic Plan Draft

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is extending the public comment period to December 11 for its draft of the “Louisiana Oyster Management and Rehabilitation Strategic Plan.” The original deadline was December 4. LDWF is seeking public comment from all coastal stakeholders. The 2019 oyster stock assessment indicates that Louisiana…

Final Rule Revises the Annual Catch Limit for Gray Snapper in the Gulf

NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule for gray snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. This rule reduces the annual catch limit for Gulf of Mexico gray snapper. WHEN WILL THE RULE TAKE EFFECT: The rule becomes effective on December 17, 2020. WHAT THIS MEANS: The final rule reduces the annual catch…

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