Sustainability

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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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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As Derelict Crab Trap Cleanup Event Approaches, Volunteers are Still Needed

derelict crab trap

Time is running out to sign up to participate in the 2023 derelict crab trap rodeo event. The event will take place this year in the Terrebonne Basin (more details below). This rodeo event allows LDWF and members of the public to work hand-in-hand, removing derelict crab traps that create…

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LDWF: 2023 Derelict Crab Trap Cleanup Event; Volunteers and Sponsors Needed

People returning derlict crab traps

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will host its annual Derelict Crab Trap Rodeo volunteer cleanup event this February.  LDWF encourages volunteers and sponsors to participate in these events to make the crab trap rodeos successful in 2023 and keep our Sportsman’s Paradise pristine. Volunteers Volunteers will help…

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LDWF has Completed the Construction of Two Oyster Reefs in Drum Bay

loading oyster cultch onto boat

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has completed the construction of two oyster reefs totaling approximately 230 acres in Drum Bay (St. Bernard Parish) to increase oyster habitat and fisheries production. The construction process, known as cultch planting, is a proven habitat improvement technique used by LDWF. This…

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Wildlife and Fisheries Announces Stock Assessment Schedule

Close up of redfish face

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is currently conducting stock assessments on important recreational and commercial fish stocks, including Redfish (Red Drum), in Louisiana state waters. Stock assessments are computer-modeled simulations of fish populations that incorporate life history metrics (age, growth, reproduction), stock abundance information (survey catch effort),…

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LDWF Plans Four Crab Trap Closures Along Louisiana Coast

derelict crab trap

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) allowing the removal of derelict crab traps along Louisiana’s coast in 2023 from the four following described areas: 1.    The first closure will take place in the Pontchartrain Basin, in an area between Delacroix, River Aux Chenes,…

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As Derelict Crab Trap Cleanup Events Approach, Volunteers are Still Needed

Boat full of recovered abandoned traps.

Time is running out to sign up to participate in the 2022 derelict crab trap rodeo events.  Two events are scheduled for this year: one in the Barataria Basin and one in the Calcasieu Basin (more details below). These rodeo events allow LDWF and members of the public to work…

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Completion Of Four Oyster Broodstock Reefs In Plaquemines And St. Bernard Parishes

hands holding single oyster, with oysters in background

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has completed construction of four reefs located at Petit Pass, Karako Bay, Lake Machias, and Mozambique Point in Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes. Approximately 5,000 cubic yards of limestone was placed within each 10-acre site for a total of about 20,000 cubic…

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Venting Tools or Descending Devices Required for All Fishermen Targeting Reef Fish

photo of red snapper with barotrauma on descending device

The Direct Enhancement of Snapper Conservation and the Economy through Novel Devices Act of 2020 (DESCEND Act of 2020) was signed into law on January 13, 2021. The new Act will require commercial, for-hire, and private recreational vessels to have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to…

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