Sustainability

The Council Asks for Recommendations on Ways to Conserve our Nation’s Waters

The President of the United States recently signed an Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. The Executive Order aims to place the climate crisis at the forefront of the Nation’s foreign policy and national security planning. Section 216 of the Executive Order: Conserving our Nation’s Land…

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Adds 14 Additional Reefs

reef fish swimming in Flower Banks; photo from NOAA

The 14 additional reefs and banks are officially part of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS). As of March 22, 2021, FGBNMS encompasses 17 reefs and banks located approximately 80-125 miles off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana. These banks are a combination of small underwater mountains, ridges, troughs, and…

The DESCEND Act of 2020 will go into effect in January 2022

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 and recreational vessels (including for-hire) to have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to…

NOI to Restrict All Oyster Harvest On Four Proposed Broodstock Reefs

Today, the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission passed a Notice of Intent (NOI) to add four proposed recreational oyster broodstock reefs to Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC) 76:VII.537, which restricts all oyster harvest on reefs listed under that rule. The Department plans to construct all four reefs using oyster cultch material by…

Two New Resources from Oil Spill Science Team

The Gulf of Mexico Sea Grant Oil Spill Science team has produced new resources for the public: Oil on the water: Insights into oil spill response—This new publication details some of the cleanup tools and techniques emergency responders use after an oil spill to protect people and natural resources. To…

Comment Period Extended for LA Oyster Management and Rehabilitation Strategic Plan Draft

hands holding single oyster, with oysters in background

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is extending the public comment period to December 11 for its draft of the “Louisiana Oyster Management and Rehabilitation Strategic Plan.” The original deadline was December 4. LDWF is seeking public comment from all coastal stakeholders. The 2019 oyster stock assessment indicates that Louisiana…

Give Your Input on Draft of LA Oyster Management and Rehabilitation Strategic Plan

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is seeking public comment from all coastal stakeholders regarding its draft “Louisiana Oyster Management and Rehabilitation Strategic Plan.” The LDWF Office of Fisheries is responsible for the protection, conservation and replenishment of Louisiana’s renewable, aquatic natural resources, including Louisiana oysters. In the…

2021 Derelict Crab Trap Cleanup Events; Volunteers and Sponsors Needed

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will again host its annual Derelict Crab Trap Rodeo volunteer cleanup event this February. LDWF encourages volunteers and sponsors to participate in these events to make this crab trap rodeo successful in 2021 and keep our Sportsman’s Paradise pristine. Volunteers Volunteers will…

New Video About Asian Carp

Louisiana Fisheries Forward has created a new video about Asian carp, titled, “When Fish Fly, Feast!” It’s a good reminder that as a terribly invasive species, Asian carp should never be thrown back alive. Consider cooking them up on the grill instead.

Feedback Requested: Derelict Crab Trap Removal Program Alternative Options

Since 2004, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), together with individual volunteers and organizations, has successfully removed and disposed of over 45,000 abandoned and derelict crab traps. The removal of these crab traps is especially important to boating safety and crab harvesting efforts. Looking for possible options to…

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