Regulations

NOI to Remove Buoy Requirements from Freshwater Gill and Trammel Nets

hands of fisherman sorting freshwater fish such as shad and catfish in boat

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) today to remove the requirement of using international orange buoys to mark gill and trammel nets in fresh water.  The buoy requirement language was carried over to freshwater gear from the saltwater marking rule, and is being removed…

Read More

Notice of Intent to Require Reporting of Commercial Menhaden Harvest

menahden boats

At the September 1, 2022 meeting, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) passed a notice of intent to create regulations requiring monthly reporting from the commercial menhaden reduction fishery. The proposed rule is mandated by Act 759 of the 2022 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature. Act 759 requires the LWFC to…

Read More

Swordfish and Roundscale Spearfish Regulations Modified for Consistency with Feds

charter boat deckhand gets fish on line for customer

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission passed a notice of intent at their meeting today to modify swordfish regulations.  The proposed rule would adjust swordfish possession limits to be 1 per angler or 4 per vessel on recreational trips, 1 per angler or 6 per vessel on charter vessels, and 1…

Read More

LWFC Adopts Notice of Intent to Create Passive Gear Marking Regulations

two fishermen holding large hoop net with catfish

On May 5, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to create a rule regarding marking nets and traps in freshwater. The proposed rule mirrors the existing saltwater rule in Title 76 and would apply to gill nets, trammel nets, hoop nets, slat traps, and…

Read More

NOAA Fisheries Announces a Temporary Rule Extending Use of Limited Tow Times in Lieu of TEDs

raised TEDs and nets

NOAA Fisheries is publishing a temporary rule to allow shrimp fishers to continue to use limited tow times as an alternative to Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in specific Louisiana state waters from 91° 23’ West longitude eastward to the Louisiana/Mississippi border, and seaward out three nautical miles. This temporary rule…

Read More

NOAA Announces a Temp Rule Authorizing Tow Times in Lieu of TEDS in Some Areas

shrimp boat Grand Isle Louisiana

NOAA Fisheries is publishing a temporary rule to allow shrimp fishers to use limited tow times as an alternative to Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in specific Louisiana state waters from 91° 23’ West longitude eastward to the Louisiana/Mississippi border, and seaward out three nautical miles. This temporary rule is effective…

Read More

Implementation of the Vessel Monitoring System Reporting Requirements for Federally Permitted Charter and Headboat Vessels Delayed

charter boat deckhand gets fish on line for customer

Key Message: NOAA Fisheries is delaying the implementation of the Gulf of Mexico vessel monitoring system (VMS) requirement for the Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting Program from December 13, 2021, to March 1, 2022. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council requested the VMS requirement with the intention of enhancing…

Read More

NOAA Announces Survey Participation Requirement for GOM Federal For-Hire Permit Holders

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

As part of the Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting (SEFHIER) program, NOAA Fisheries is implementing an independent, dockside intercept survey called the SEFHIER Validation Survey. Vessels with federal for-hire permits for Gulf Reef Fish or Gulf Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fish are required to participate in the SEFHIER Validation Survey. When: Effective…

Read More