News

NOAA: Turtle Excluder Device Required for all Skimmer Trawl Vessels 40 Feet and Greater

turtle excluder device with turtle escaping

In an effort to strengthen sea turtle conservation efforts, NOAA Fisheries published a final rule to require all skimmer trawl vessels 40 feet and greater in length to use turtle excluder devices (TEDs) in their nets.  A TED is a device that allows sea turtles to escape from trawl nets. …

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LA Shrimp Season to Close January 6 in Portions of State Outside Waters

2019 offshore shrimp closure map

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the 2019 shrimp season will close at official sunset on Monday, January 6, 2020, in portions of state outside waters between Caillou Boca and Freshwater Bayou Canal: The eastern boundary line of the closure area originates on the northwest shore of Caillou…

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Fishing For Lane Snapper In Louisiana and Federal Waters To Close Dec. 13

fishing rods on a boat

The recreational and commercial seasons for lane snapper in Louisiana waters will close at 12:01 a.m. on December 13, 2019, and will remain closed until January 1, 2019. 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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Louisiana Shrimp Season to Close December 16 in Portions of State Waters

deckhand unloading shrimp from skimmer net on boat deck

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the 2019 fall inshore shrimp season would close in all state inside waters on Monday, December 16, 2019, at official sunset, except for the following inside waters east of the Mississippi River: Lake Pontchartrain, Chef Menteur and Rigolets Passes, Lake Borgne, Mississippi Sound,…

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Reminder Regarding the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Programs

red snapper

KEY MESSAGE: NOAA Fisheries is sending an end-of-year reminder to ensure IFQ participants are informed about end of year restrictions as well as subsequent start of year information. We are also providing additional information on the IFQ system functions and requirements to ensure participants clearly understand how to participate in…

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2020 Derelict Crab Trap Cleanup Events; Volunteers Needed

pelicans watching LDWF agent handle trap

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will again host its annual Derelict Crab Trap Rodeo volunteer cleanup events during the month of February. The Derelict Crab Trap Removal Program was initiated by LDWF in 2004 to address the removal of derelict and abandoned crab traps.  Derelict traps increase…

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Commercial Harvest of King Mackerel in EEZ Western Zone Closes November 21

king mackerel swimming

Commercial harvest of king mackerel in federal waters of the Western Zone will close at 12:00 pm, central time, on November 21, 2019.  Commercial harvest will reopen at 12:01 am, central time, on July 1, 2020. WHY THIS CLOSURE IS HAPPENING: The 2019/2020 commercial Western Zone quota is 1,096,000 pounds.  Updated…

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Gulf Council Asks for Information on Vermilion Snapper

Fresh vermilion snapper on ice

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council would like to gain a better understanding of vermilion snapper (a.k.a. beeliner) in the Gulf of Mexico. It is seeking information from anglers and divers about trends or “strange things” that scientists and managers may need to know. A scientific stock assessment of…

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LA Commercial Fishing Licenses & Trip Ticket Training at Field Offices

Sunset on the Gulf of Mexico

For a limited time, fishermen can get their commercial fishing licenses, and trip ticket training, at the following field offices/dates: November 19 – 21, 2019 8 am – 3:30 pm LDWF Bourg Office 468 Texas Gulf Road, Bourg, LA December 3 – 5, 2019 8 am – 3:30 pm LDWF…

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Gulf Council Recommends Modifying For-Hire Multi-Day Trip Possession Limit

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council took final action on a framework action that considers modifying federal for-hire multi-day trip possession limits. The Council recommends allowing anglers on federal for-hire fishing trips that last longer than 30 hours to possess two daily bag or vessel limits at any time…

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