UPDATE: LWFC decided on 2/15/24 to move forward with a 1/2-mile barrier instead of one mile at the request of the industry, and under the influence of Governor Landry. The new rule will take effect on April 15th, 2024.
https://www.trcp.org/2024/02/15/louisiana-issues-regulations-to-protect-nearshore-habitat-from-menhaden-industry/
https://www.trcp.org/2024/02/15/louisiana-issues-regulations-to-protect-nearshore-habitat-from-menhaden-industry/
LWFC Passes NOI to Modify Rules for Menhaden Fishery
October 2023 - The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission passed a Notice of Intent (NOI) to amend rules to the menhaden fishery regarding the buffer zone and spill reporting.
Interested persons may submit comments relative to the proposed Rule to Jason Adriance, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000, or via e-mail to [email protected] prior to Thursday, January 4, 2024.
Buffer Zone
This portion of the NOI establishes a coastal buffer zone for the commercial harvest of menhaden 1-mile off the entire Louisiana coastline and three miles from the area between Holly Beach and Rutherford Beach in western Louisiana. This action will extend the existing ¼-mile buffer and the existing 3-mile buffer at Grand Isle, La. will remain in place.
Reporting
The section of the NOI establishes a 48-hour period for retrieving any menhaden or bycatch that is unintentionally or intentionally released into the environment and provides penalties and restitution associated with failure to comply. Additionally, the NOI specifies that reporting must also be made by phone call (in addition to the existing email requirement) within 2 hours of any release to the Enforcement Division. The proposed rule modification details specific reporting elements that must be included in the notification to the Enforcement Division.
The data that will be required to be reported after a fish release will include:
To view the full Notice of Intent, click here.
Interested persons may submit comments relative to the proposed Rule to Jason Adriance, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000, or via e-mail to [email protected] prior to Thursday, January 4, 2024.
Buffer Zone
This portion of the NOI establishes a coastal buffer zone for the commercial harvest of menhaden 1-mile off the entire Louisiana coastline and three miles from the area between Holly Beach and Rutherford Beach in western Louisiana. This action will extend the existing ¼-mile buffer and the existing 3-mile buffer at Grand Isle, La. will remain in place.
Reporting
The section of the NOI establishes a 48-hour period for retrieving any menhaden or bycatch that is unintentionally or intentionally released into the environment and provides penalties and restitution associated with failure to comply. Additionally, the NOI specifies that reporting must also be made by phone call (in addition to the existing email requirement) within 2 hours of any release to the Enforcement Division. The proposed rule modification details specific reporting elements that must be included in the notification to the Enforcement Division.
The data that will be required to be reported after a fish release will include:
- Date and time of the release
- Species of fish released
- Disposition of the fish released
- Name of the vessel which released the fish
- Estimation of the number of fish released
- Photo / Video evidence of the release
- Coordinates of the release
- Causative factors of the release
To view the full Notice of Intent, click here.