Crab Task Force public meetings in 2020
4 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Crab Task Force
The Crab Task Force is meeting to discuss pilot program options for disposing of derelict crab traps in 2021. The body will also consider funding for the annual Gulf-RFM surveillance audit and review preliminary results from a 2020 survey of commercial crabbers.
- Discussion of pilot programs for alternative disposition of derelict crab traps
- Consideration of funding for the Annual Gulf-RFM Surveillance Audit
- Presentation on preliminary results of the 2020 LDWF Survey of Commercial Crabbers
- Recommendations for filling Crab Task Force seat vacancies
The task force approved increasing the Crab Promotion and Marketing budget by $70,000 to fund the Gulf-RFM Surveillance Audit and reassessment. Members also discussed pilot program options for the disposition of derelict crab traps and recommended two individuals to fill seat vacancies.
- Approved July 22, 2020 meeting minutes
- Approved October 6, 2020 agenda
- Approved Financial Report showing $292,287 fund balance
- Approved $70,000 budget increase for Gulf-RFM Audit and reassessment (carried with one abstention)
- Recommended Joey Edgar and Thanh Nguyen to fill commercial hard crab fishermen seat vacancies
Crab Task Force
The Louisiana Crab Task Force will review CARES Act and 2019 fisheries disaster funding. Members will discuss results and proposed areas for derelict crab trap cleanups. The body will also consider funding for the LA Blue Crab Sustainability Certification audit.
- Overview of CARES ACT and 2019 Fisheries Disaster Funding
- 2020 Derelict Crab Trap Cleanup results and proposed 2021 cleanup areas
- Alternative Derelict Crab Trap Cleanup Program options
- Funding for the annual Gulf-RFM Surveillance Audit for LA Blue Crab Sustainability Certification
- Proposed increase to the FY21 Crab Task Force Fund Balance
Crab Task Force
The Louisiana Crab Task Force met via webinar to consider funding for a blue crab sustainability audit. The agenda also included presentations regarding seafood safety and industry resources related to COVID-19.
- Consideration of funding for the Annual MSC Surveillance Audit
- Presentation on COVID-19 Seafood Safety by Sea Grant
- Presentation on COVID-19 industry issues and resources by Thomas Hymel
Crab Task Force
The task force will review a financial report and hold an election of officers. Members will also discuss approaches for evaluating trap gear design with the LDWF and hear a summary regarding the Louisiana United Crabber’s Alliance.
- Election of Officers
- Discussion of gear design evaluation for traps
- Introduction of the Louisiana United Crabber’s Alliance