Today at 8:00 a.m., the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) opened its online ordering portal to provide the oyster industry with hatchery-reared oyster larvae produced at the Michael C. Voisin Oyster Hatchery.

Requests will only be taken via the online ordering portal and will be filled based on the order that they are received with prioritization given to in-state orders. Requests made in writing or by phone will not be accepted. Larger orders may be reduced or split based on availability of larvae and seed. Payment will not be required at the time of request submission. LDWF will contact those requesting hatchery products at a later date for payment.

The online ordering form can be found at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/alternative-oyster-culture.

The availability of oyster larvae is critical for off-bottom, cage-culture oysters in Louisiana. Off-bottom oyster farmers typically must seed the cultch material used in cages with oyster larvae to ensure consistent, adequate oyster product for proper growth.

For more information, contact Program Development at 225-765-3980, 1-855-262-1764, or at [email protected].

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive recreational or commercial fishing email and text alerts, signup at here.