News

LDWF Asks Saltwater Anglers to Complete Web-Based Survey on Spotted Seatrout Management

two men fishing out of boat on Big Lake

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), Louisiana State University and Louisiana Sea Grant have released a survey to gather public input on spotted seatrout management options. This survey is an additional effort to collect public input on these options; we also conducted eight statewide public meetings earlier this…

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LWFC: Notice of Intent to Modify GOM Greater Amberjack Commercial Trip Limits

greater amberjack

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to decrease the commercial trip limit of greater amberjack from 1,500 lbs to 1,000 lbs gutted weight.  This action matches those taken by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries in federal waters. Additionally, the NOI provides…

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New COVID-19 Fact Sheets in Vietnamese

proper distancing graphic in Vietnamese

Fact sheets on COVID-19 specifically geared for commercial fishermen and processors have now been translated to Vietnamese.  Experts from LSU School of Nutrition and Food Sciences and Louisiana Sea Grant put together tips for how to properly handle seafood during a public health emergency. Click here for the processors fact sheet, titled…

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LDWF to release Inshore and Nearshore Artificial Reef RFIQ from Qualified Non-profit Organizations

shrimp boat at sea

The Artificial Reef Program (Program) is responsible for the planning, siting, material selection, permitting, and monitoring oversight of inshore artificial reef development. Inshore reefs are those artificial reefs developed solely in Louisiana state waters between the Louisiana Intracoastal Waterway and the Louisiana coastline and within Lake Pontchartrain. Nearshore waters are…

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LDWF buildings reopen in BR May 15, statewide May 18

fishing pier on Lake Pontchartrain

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will be opening its offices in phases beginning Friday, May 15, at its headquarters in Baton Rouge and across the state on Monday, May 18. The Baton Rouge office, located at 2000 Quail Drive, is opening earlier to focus on the large…

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NOI to Modify the Minimum Commercial and Recreational Size Limits for Cobia

LDWF staff holding a cobra on boat

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to modify commercial and recreational minimum size limits for cobia. The proposed changes would modify the existing rule on the minimum commercial and recreational size limits for cobia from 33 inches fork length to 36 inches fork length. …

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Opening Dates Announced for the Spring Inshore Shrimp Season and Remaining Offshore Waters

LDWF map of spring opening inshore season

Today, May 7, 2020, two actions were taken to open the 2020 inshore and offshore shrimp season.  The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission set the opening dates for the state inshore waters based on information provided by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) biologists and public comments. The…

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Gulf Council Asks for Information on Greater Amberjack

saltwater fish caught on charter trip hanging on sign

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council would like to gain a better understanding of greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico. It is seeking information from anglers and divers about what they have observed, including any “strange things,” that scientists and managers may need to know. Scientists are currently…

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Final Rule to Replace Historical Captain Permit

This final rule allows eligible historical captains the opportunity to replace their historical captain permits with standard federal charter/headboat for-hire permits for the reef fish and coastal migratory pelagic fisheries.  An eligible captain is one that had a valid, non-expired, or renewable historical captain permit as of October 25, 2018,…

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Modifications to the Commercial Greater Amberjack Trip Limit and Boundary for Reef Fish Management

greater amberjack

NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule modifying the greater amberjack commercial trip limit in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) and adjusting the state/federal boundary of several areas for reef fish management. WHEN THIS RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT: Regulations will be effective May 14, 2020. WHAT THIS MEANS: The greater amberjack…

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