News

LWFC Passes NOI to Add Oysters, Brown Trout to Domesticated Aquatic Organism Approved Species List

LA Fisheries Forward caged oysters

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approved a Notice of Intent (NOI) to update the Domesticated Aquatic Organism (DAO) approved species list by adding Eastern Oyster and Brown Trout. In addition to adding these two species, the NOI proposes creating the Molluscan Shellfish permit and the Coldwater Trout permit. This…

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Second Round of Alternative Oyster Culture Grant Applications Open Now

oyster farm at Sea Grant hatchery

The second round of Alternative Oyster Culture (AOC) grant applications will open May 6, 2022; the closing deadline for grow-out and nurseries is June 9 and for parks and hatcheries July 7. Applications can be found at www.laseafoodfuture.com/aoc, as well as a press release announcing the applicants selected in the first…

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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…

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LDWF Announces Opening Dates for the Spring Inshore Shrimp Season

2022 shrimp opening zones map

Today, May 5, 2022, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission set the opening dates for the state inshore waters based on information provided by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) biologists and public comments. The Commission action sets the opening date of the spring inshore shrimp season as follows:…

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Shrimp Season to Open in Remaining State Outside Waters on April 25

Map designating opening area of outside waters to shrimp

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced that the portion of state outside waters between Mound Point on Marsh Island and Freshwater Bayou Canal shall reopen to shrimping at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, April 25, 2022. The opening area is defined as follows: The eastern boundary line originates on…

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LDWF Begins Online Ordering for Oyster Hatchery Larvae

two eyed larvae as viewed under microscope

Beginning at 8 a.m. April 19, 2022, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will be opening 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…

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April 2022 Council Update

Gulf of Mexico with shrimp boats in far distance

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) met in Gulf Shores, Alabama April 4-7, 2022. The Council made preliminary appointments to its Coral, Data Collection, and Spiny Lobster Advisory Panels. Final appointments will be made during the June Council meeting after fishery violation background checks are completed. The Council also named the…

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Gulf Council Recommends Converting Remaining Historical Captains Permits to Standard Charter/Headboat Permits

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

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council took final action on a Framework Action to convert three Reef Fish and three Coastal Migratory Pelagic Historical Captain permits to standard federal for-hire Charter/Headboat Permits. A previous Council action allowed the replacement of valid or renewable Gulf historical captain coastal migratory pelagics…

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