News

LWFC Adopts Notice of Intent to Add Coastal Buffer Zones to Gulf Menhaden Harvest Regulations

menahden boats

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to add coastal buffer zones to Gulf menhaden harvest regulations. The proposed changes would modify the existing rule regarding where in Louisiana waters commercial harvest of gulf menhaden may occur.  The proposed changes would implement a coastwide…

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LA Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Sets the 2021-2022 Oyster Season

Map of open oyster harvest areas for 2021-2022 season

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission set the 2021-2022 oyster season based on the annual oyster stock assessment provided by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologists and comments received from members of the public, including the oyster industry. The following dates were set for the upcoming oyster season:…

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LA Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Designates Lake Barre as Temporary Natural Reef

Map of Lake Barre Temporary Natural Reef

Acting upon request of the oyster industry, state-owned water bottoms in Lake Barre, Terrebonne Parish, were designated as a Temporary Natural Reef today by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. Due to the overall declining availability of oyster resources on the public oyster seed grounds, the lack of available state-owned…

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Recreational and Commercial Seasons For Lane Snapper Closing In Louisiana Waters

fishing rods on a boat

The recreational and commercial seasons for lane snapper in Louisiana waters will close at 12:01 a.m. on October 18, 2021, and will remain closed until January 1, 2022. The decision was made by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet, following notification by NOAA Fisheries that the Federal…

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Temporary TED Exemption for Skimmer Vessels 40’ in Length or Greater

shrimp boat at work

On September 9, 2021, the Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo, United States District Judge, granted a motion from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) for a preliminary injunction on the federal TED requirements on skimmer vessels 40 feet in length or greater.  This order delays implementation of the requirements of…

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Additional Meeting Dates for Skimmer Turtle Excluder Device Reimbursement Program (STEDRP) Announced

raised TEDs and nets

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is extending the Skimmer Turtle Excluder Device Reimbursement Program (STEDRP), which will reimburse up to 60 percent of the cost for two skimmer TEDs. The goal of the Louisiana cost-share program is to provide financial relief to fishermen who need to purchase…

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Commercial and Recreational Closure of Mid-water Snapper in Federal Waters

fishing rods on a boat

What/When: Commercial and recreational harvest of mid-water snapper in Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) federal waters will close at 12:01 am, local time, on September 18, 2021. The mid-water snapper complex consists of blackfin snapper, queen snapper, silk snapper and wenchmen. Commercial and recreational harvest will reopen January 1, 2022. Why This…

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NOAA: Modifications to Vessel Monitoring System Reporting Requirements for Gulf Charter and Headboat Vessels

NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule that will establish Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) reporting requirements for Charter and Headboat Vessels with Gulf reef fish and Gulf coastal migratory pelagic federal permits. Regulations will be effective December 13, 2021. What This Means: The vessel owners or operators must install NOAA Fisheries…

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Hurricane Ida and Other Storm Recovery Resources

NOAA satellite image of Hurricane Ida, August 28, 2021

The Louisiana Hurricane Resources Web site, hosted by the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program, provides visitors with access to a wealth of data concerning storm preparedness and recovery, as well as archived information about Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Click here to visit the website.

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