LA Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries

Shrimp Season to Open in a Portion of State Outside Waters on April 17

fishing boat at sea

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced that the portion of state outside waters between Calliou Boca and the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel at Eugene Island shall reopen to shrimping at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on April 17, 2020. The area to open is defined as follows:  The eastern boundary…

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LDWF ALERT: Be Aware Of Fake Hunting and Fishing Announcements

fishing pier on Lake Pontchartrain

Recently, LDWF has had to respond to several fake news articles, one regarding increased fishing fines and, most recently, the supposed forced closure of hunting and fishing season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. None of it is true. Any valid information regarding LDWF actions is on our website at www.wlf.la.gov…

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Tips for Commercial Seafood Harvesters When Handling Seafood During the Coronavirus Pandemic

LDWF, LSU AgCenter, and Louisiana Sea Grant have produced a handout for commercial seafood harvesters to consider when handling seafood. These suggested handling techniques will help provide confidence to seafood buyers at all levels of the supply chain. The handout includes tips covering: What disinfectants may be used Considerations when…

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New Commercial Shrimpers Encouraged to Begin License Application Immediately

shrimp boat in Gulf of Mexico at dusk

Due to the recent office closures to the public, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) encourages new shrimpers to apply for their licenses immediately. LDWF staff are available to process their mailed applications. The department is issuing this reminder so new license applicants will have their licenses in-hand…

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LDWF Offices Closed to the Public Indefinitely Starting March 17

LA Fisheries Forward

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) offices throughout the state will be closed to the public indefinitely beginning Tuesday, March 17. To alleviate any additional public burden, LDWF is providing the public alternatives to process applications via mail, email and online. The summary below provides more information about how…

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Commercial Fishing For Aggregated Large Coastal And Hammerhead Sharks To Close

bull shark illustration

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced today that effective March 14 at 11:30p.m., commercial fishing for large coastal sharks in the aggregated large coastal and hammerhead groups (great hammerhead, scalloped hammerhead, smooth hammerhead, nurse shark, bull shark, lemon shark, sandbar shark, silky shark, spinner shark, and tiger…

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LDWF to Hold Public Meetings On Potential Spotted Seatrout Management

two men fishing out of boat on Big Lake

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced dates for public meetings to be held on spotted seatrout management. The most  recent stock assessment   indicated spotted seatrout are overfished and undergoing overfishing and changes are necessary in order to recover the stock.  The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission…

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