Louisiana Finfish Task Force public meetings in 2022
3 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Louisiana Finfish Task Force
The Louisiana Finfish Task Force will meet to receive an assessment of Red Drum stock in Louisiana. The body will discuss potential management measures based on the LDWF assessment.
- Assessment of Red Drum stock in Louisiana
- Discussion of potential Red Drum management measures
The Task Force voted to delay an official recommendation on red drum management to allow for more research and public meetings. Members also received updates on upcoming changes to cobia and shark harvest limits.
- Approved September 14, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved December 7, 2022 meeting agenda as amended
- Approved motion to request more time for public meetings, comment, and research before making a red drum recommendation
Louisiana Finfish Task Force
The Louisiana Finfish Task Force is meeting to discuss updates on the 2023 LA Fisheries Forward Summit, the status of spotted seatrout, the menhaden fishery, and redfish stock. They will also hear a legislative update on finfish-related bills and discuss traversing permits.
- Update on the 2023 LA Fisheries Forward Summit
- Status of spotted seatrout
- Discussion of the menhaden fishery
- Discussion of redfish stock
- Legislative update on finfish-related bills
The board approved the March 24, 2022, meeting minutes and the September 14, 2022, agenda. Members received updates on spotted seatrout, menhaden, and redfish stocks, as well as information on a proposed removal of the closed shark season.
- Approved March 24, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved September 14, 2022 meeting agenda
Louisiana Finfish Task Force
The Louisiana Finfish Task Force will discuss shark regulations and state management options, southern flounder management and recent rulemaking, and hear updates on spotted seatrout stock status, menhaden proposals, the national bait shortage, and the Louisiana Fishing Recovery Community Coalition. Officer elections will also be held.
- Discuss shark regulations and possible state management options
- Discuss southern flounder management and recent rulemaking
- Update on spotted seatrout stock status
- Update on menhaden proposal before LDWF Commission
- Discuss national bait shortage
The Louisiana Finfish Task Force recommended several changes to recreational and commercial fishing seasons and limits for sharks, spotted seatrout, and red snapper. The board also elected new officers and received updates on seafood grant programs and industry recovery efforts.
- Recommended adjusting shark closed season from April 1–June 30 to May 1–June 30
- Supported 13.5” minimum size limit and 15 fish/day creel limit for spotted seatrout (5-1)
- Supported weekends-only red snapper season with a 3 fish per person daily bag limit
- Elected Ben Graham as chairman and Stuart Billeaud as Vice Chairman
- Approved August 25, 2021 meeting minutes