Oyster

Louisiana Oyster Fishery

Oyster harvesters take note of mandatory oyster harvester training: before applying for an Oyster Harvester License, all oyster harvesters must complete online oyster harvester training. Oyster harvesters must take this training every three years. 

Louisiana Fisheries Forward has put together a wide variety of topics from multiple government and industry organizations, to help oyster fishermen understand licensing and reporting requirements, harvest regulations, time and temperature rules, and best handling methods to produce a safe, select oyster product.

Your input is needed to successfully manage the oyster fishery. Join the Oyster Task Force, or attend their open meetings; sign up for alerts from Wildlife and Fisheries, Sea Grant and other agencies; and attend LFF workshops and dock days for the best information on quality handling, safety, new equipment, and more.

As we continue to add information, visit the resource links below for more information on how to be a successful oyster fisherman.

oyster boat in Gulf
oysters spilling out of a sack

Oysters are filter feeders, and have the ability to accumulate concentrations of bacteria; this creates a slight risk to certain consumers when eaten raw.  That’s why Louisiana follows strict, national guidelines that regulate both the time to refrigeration and storage temperature of oysters, depending on the harvest tag used.  Visit the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website for complete details on time/temperature requirements.

Latest Oyster News

oyster farm at Sea Grant hatchery

Third Round Alternative Oyster Culture Grant Recipients Announced

March 22, 2023

The third round of Alternative Oyster Culture (AOC) grants, totaling $470,000, have been announced. Six grow-out farm grants were awarded to: Larry (Terrell) Boudin Kirk Daigle Hubern Ray Doxey, Jr Mervin B. Mallet Ryan Mallory Anthony Theriot Two additional AOC parks also received funding: Southern Belle AOC Park, located south…

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photo of three oyster boats in Gulf waters

LDWF Makes Canceled Oyster Lease List Available Online

March 10, 2023

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is required to make public notice regarding the nonpayment of fees related to oyster leases on both its website and in the official journal of the parish in which the lease is located. As per Louisiana Revised Statute 56:429, any lessee who pays…

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