Reef Fish

Recreational Red Snapper Season to Close December 31 at 11:59 p.m.

red snapper

In state and federal waters off Louisiana Coast Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Rob Shadoin signed a declaration of emergency to close the recreational red snapper season in state and federal waters off Louisiana at 11:59 p,m. on December 31. LA Creel indicates that 845,951 pounds, or 91…

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Recreational Gag Grouper State, Federal Fishing Season to Close October 19

gag group La Fisheries Forward

The federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued an emergency season modification for the recreational Gag Grouper fishery, which closes the fishery at 12:01 a.m. on October 19. The Gag Grouper recreational season was originally scheduled to close on November 9, 2023.  The fishery will remain closed until…

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LWF Commission Adopted a Notice of Intent to Modify Red Drum Size and Bag Limits

Close up of redfish face

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to change the red drum size limit from a 16-inch minimum size limit and a 27-inch maximum size limit to an 18-inch minimum size limit total length and a 24-inch maximum size limit total length. The red…

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Gulf Council Asks Fishermen for Information on Mutton Snapper

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

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council would like to gain a better understanding of what’s happening with mutton snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. The Council recognizes that as active fishermen, you may notice trends or interesting things happening in the Gulf that the scientists and managers may not…

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Louisiana Fisheries Forward Summit 2023: Finding New Opportunities for Innovation

vendor booths set up at Pontchartrain Center at Summit 2020

Commercial fishermen, dock owners and processors will have the opportunity to learn about issues facing their industry at the Louisiana Fisheries Forward Summit, Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd., Kenner. Admission is free, but advance registration is required for those wanting lunch.  This expo is…

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January 2023 Council Meeting Summary

gray triggerfish

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) met in Baton Rouge, Louisiana from January 30 – February 2, 2023. The Council heard a presentation on the Return ‘Em Right project and received and update from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Wind Energy Development in the Gulf of Mexico. Mr….

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Loan Opportunity Info Available for Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Participants

school of tuna in blue water

NOAA Fisheries is sending this notification to clarify information about loan opportunities through the federal Fisheries Finance Program (FFP) for Gulf of Mexico IFQ participants. The federal FFP is a direct government loan program that receives an annual loan authority from Congress to provide long-term loans to the commercial fishing…

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Extension of Emergency Measures Modify the Greater Amberjack Recreational Fixed Closed Season

greater amberjack

Key Message: NOAA Fisheries announces the extension of regulations to reduce the recreational harvest of greater amberjack. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council agreed NOAA Fisheries should extend emergency action while they develop long-term management measures to rebuild the greater amberjack population. How Long is the Emergency Rule Effective: The…

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Final Rule to Implement Two Framework Actions for Gulf Red Snapper

red snapper

Key Message: NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule that will implement two framework actions under the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico; Modifications to Data Calibrations (Data Calibrations Framework) and Annual Catch Limits (Catch Limits Framework) for Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) Red Snapper….

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Lane Snapper Harvest in Federal Waters of the Gulf Closes on November 15, 2022

fishing rods on a boat

What/When/Where: Commercial and recreational harvest of lane snapper in Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) federal waters will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 15, 2022. Commercial and recreational harvest will reopen at 12:01 a.m., local time, on January 1, 2023.   Why This Closure Is Happening: The 2022 stock annual…

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