Shrimp

NOAA: Turtle Excluder Device Required for all Skimmer Trawl Vessels 40 Feet and Greater

turtle excluder device with turtle escaping

In an effort to strengthen sea turtle conservation efforts, NOAA Fisheries published a final rule to require all skimmer trawl vessels 40 feet and greater in length to use turtle excluder devices (TEDs) in their nets.  A TED is a device that allows sea turtles to escape from trawl nets. …

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LA Shrimp Season to Close January 6 in Portions of State Outside Waters

2019 offshore shrimp closure map

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the 2019 shrimp season will close at official sunset on Monday, January 6, 2020, in portions of state outside waters between Caillou Boca and Freshwater Bayou Canal: The eastern boundary line of the closure area originates on the northwest shore of Caillou…

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Louisiana Shrimp Season to Close December 16 in Portions of State Waters

deckhand unloading shrimp from skimmer net on boat deck

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the 2019 fall inshore shrimp season would close in all state inside waters on Monday, December 16, 2019, at official sunset, except for the following inside waters east of the Mississippi River: Lake Pontchartrain, Chef Menteur and Rigolets Passes, Lake Borgne, Mississippi Sound,…

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2020 Derelict Crab Trap Cleanup Events; Volunteers Needed

pelicans watching LDWF agent handle trap

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will again host its annual Derelict Crab Trap Rodeo volunteer cleanup events during the month of February. The Derelict Crab Trap Removal Program was initiated by LDWF in 2004 to address the removal of derelict and abandoned crab traps.  Derelict traps increase…

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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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Louisiana’s Seafood Future Releases 2019 Findings Report on Fishing Industry and Coastal Change

shorebirds and pelican in shallow water at Grand Isle

Louisiana’s Seafood Future released a report that summarizes a year of outreach to the Louisiana seafood industry. The report’s findings draw on public meetings with and surveys completed by seafood industry members in the last year. Governor John Bel Edwards spurred this effort in early 2018, when he asked the…

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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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