LA Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries

LA Commercial Fishing Licenses & Trip Ticket Training at Field Offices

Sunset on the Gulf of Mexico

For a limited time, fishermen can get their commercial fishing licenses, and trip ticket training, at the following field offices/dates: November 19 – 21, 2019 8 am – 3:30 pm LDWF Bourg Office 468 Texas Gulf Road, Bourg, LA December 3 – 5, 2019 8 am – 3:30 pm LDWF…

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LDWF Artificial Reef Program’s Master Plan Addresses Loss of Shallow-water Platforms Along LA Coast

tarpon swimming around submerged pipes

Gov. John Bel Edwards and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Jack Montoucet have announced the LDWF’s Artificial Reef Program will help Louisiana anglers by preserving offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico where oil and gas platforms in less than 100 feet of water are being removed….

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LDWF Data Updates Loss of Aquatic Resources from Historic 2019 Flooding

Gulf of Mexico with shrimp boats in far distance

The lingering effects of the 2019 record floodwaters on Louisiana’s aquatic life continue to be measured by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.  The Mississippi River remained above flood stage for a historic length of time, with records dating back to 1900.  Additionally, local rainfall also impacted other drainages. …

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Reminder of Current Blue Crab Harvest Regulations

crab traps floating in water

At its September 6, 2018 meeting, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission adopted a Notice of Intent to change regulations for the recreational and commercial harvest of blue crabs in 2019.  The rule prohibits the recreational and commercial take and/or possession of female blue crab for a 35-day period beginning…

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LWF Commission Sets 2019-20 Louisiana Oyster Season

fishermen culling oysters on boat deck

At its August monthly meeting, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission set the 2019-20 oyster season based on the annual oyster stock assessment provided by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologists and comments received from members of the public, including the oyster industry. The following dates were set for…

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LA Red Snapper Landing Estimates through July 21

Thu Bui holding caught red snapper

The latest catch statistics recorded by LA Creel, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ (LDWF) near real-time data collection program, is 530,940 pounds, or 65 percent of Louisiana’s allocation. This estimate covers the period through July 21. The season will remain open until recreational landings approach or reach Louisiana’s…

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LDWF: All segments of fishing community that show impacts are covered by Governor’s request

Louisiana fishing boats

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) continues to measure the impacts that the historic flooding event has had on the state’s crucial aquatic life. Last month, Gov. John Bel Edwards’ requested a federal fisheries disaster declaration which could provide financial assistance to any segment of Louisiana’s fishing industry…

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LDWF Plans Six Crab Trap Closures Along Coast for Derelict Crab Trap Collection

derelict crab trap

Since 2004, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, together with individual volunteers and organizations, has successfully removed and disposed of over 41,000 abandoned and derelict crabs. The removal of these crab traps is especially important to boating safety and crab harvesting efforts. Last year, LDWF, Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation…

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Louisiana Inshore Shrimp Season Closed June 28 in State Inside Waters

LA coast map showing shrimp closures

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced the 2019 spring inshore shrimp season will close at 6 p.m. on Friday (June 28) from the Mississippi/Louisiana state line westward to the Louisiana/Texas state line except for the following waters: The open waters of the Louisiana portion of Mississippi Sound…

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Understanding Louisiana’s Path to a Federal Fisheries Disaster Declaration

fishing pier on Lake Pontchartrain

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards submitted a request to the U.S. Department of Commerce last week notifying the federal government that Louisiana’s fisheries are in a dire situation due to the extreme duration of high river levels. This year (2019) has been the wettest year on record in the Mississippi…

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