Oyster

LDWF to Begin Accepting Applications for $14.6 Million CARES Act Funds

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will soon begin accepting applications for $14.6 million in financial assistance that will be available to Louisiana fishermen and others in the industry who have been financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and…

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New Initiative Aims to Help Wholesale Dealers Find New Markets for Louisiana Seafood

Photo of women processing and packaging shrimp at a factory

In an effort to improve the economic sustainability of the State’s seafood industry in light of COVID-19, the Louisiana Direct Seafood initiative is adding a wholesale directory to its website (LouisianaDirectSeafood.com/wholesale). Originally developed to help coastal fishermen and processors connect with consumers for fresh, wild-caught, Louisiana seafood products, the addition…

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LWFC Sets 2020-2021 Oyster Season

oyster boat in Gulf

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission set the 2020-2021 oyster season based on the annual oyster stock assessment provided by the 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 the upcoming oyster season:…

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LDWF main office, other locations, close Monday Aug 24

Gulf of Mexico with shrimp boats in far distance

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries main office in Baton Rouge will be closed Monday due to the threat associated with Hurricanes Marco and Laura. The closings of state agencies were ordered by the Division of Administration. LDWF offices along with other state offices in the following parishes will…

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New COVID-19 Fact Sheets in Vietnamese

proper distancing graphic in Vietnamese

Fact sheets on COVID-19 specifically geared for commercial fishermen and processors have now been translated to Vietnamese.  Experts from LSU School of Nutrition and Food Sciences and Louisiana Sea Grant put together tips for how to properly handle seafood during a public health emergency. Click here for the processors fact sheet, titled…

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LDWF buildings reopen in BR May 15, statewide May 18

fishing pier on Lake Pontchartrain

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will be opening its offices in phases beginning Friday, May 15, at its headquarters in Baton Rouge and across the state on Monday, May 18. The Baton Rouge office, located at 2000 Quail Drive, is opening earlier to focus on the large…

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Harvester and Processor Recommendations for Handling Seafood during Pandemic

LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant developed a guidance document (in English and Spanish) for seafood processors to keep their workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic: Guidance for Seafood Processing Plants During COVID-19, and Respuesta a Emergencia de Salud Pública para Procesadores de Pescado y Mariscos durante COVID-19.  They can…

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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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