News

LDWF Announces Commercial Fishing License Sale Locations and Dates

Crab fisherman

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ new Commercial License fee structure went into effect on November 15, 2021.  Commercial fishermen are reminded that most of their licenses can be renewed online by going to wlf.louisiana.gov and clicking on the “Buy A License” link at the top of the webpage.  However, some licenses…

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LDWF, LDR Resume Partnership to Expedite Boat Registrations

four men fishing from inshore charter boat

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) are resuming their partnership to expedite the process of registering boats. Beginning March 28, an LDR representative will be on-site at LDWF Headquarters in Baton Rouge every Monday from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Since…

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NIOSH Fishing Survey Inquiry

shrimp boat in Gulf of Mexico at dusk

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is working on a research project with commercial fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico. Specifically about the commercial fishing experience and fishing equipment used on the boat. We are looking to hear from professionals and key stakeholders, who are knowledgeable about…

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Commercial Large Coastal Shark Possession Limit Increases to 55

blacktip shark

Officials with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the daily possession limit for commercially harvested large coastal sharks (great hammerhead, scalloped hammerhead, smooth hammerhead, nurse shark, blacktip shark, bull shark, lemon shark, sandbar shark, silky shark, spinner shark, and tiger shark) is increasing from 45 to 55 per…

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NOI To Set Annual Commercial And Recreational Closed Season For Flounder

box of several flounder and one black drum

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) has adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to set an annual closed season for the recreational and commercial harvest of Southern Flounder from October 15 through November 30 of each year. Modifications in this rule create one statewide closed season for Southern Flounder…

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NOAA: The GOM VMS Requirement for Charter/Headboat Vessels is 3-1-22

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

Key Message: The Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting (SEFHIER) program vessel monitoring system (VMS) requirement will become effective March 1, 2022. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council selected the VMS requirement to enhance recreational data and catch limit tracking in the Gulf of Mexico for improved fisheries management. When:…

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