Oyster Task Force, LA
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Recent meetings
Wed Jul 22, 2026
Oyster Task Force
Louisiana Oyster Task Force to vote on 2027 DC event and PR contract funding
The Louisiana Oyster Task Force will review financial reports, committee updates, and consider funding proposals for a 2027 Washington, D.C. event and a 2026/2027 public relations contract. Presentations on oyster market testing and Barataria Waterway dredging will also be heard.
- Vote on $X funding for 2027 Louisiana Live Event in Washington, D.C.
- Vote on funding for 2026/2027 Beuerman Miller Fitzgerald PR contract
- Presentation on market testing for imported oysters by SeaD Consulting
- Presentation on dredging plans for the Barataria Waterway by Coastal Engineering Solutions
oyster-industryfundingpublic-relationswaterway-maintenancelouisiana-wildlife
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Louisiana Oyster Task Force Meeting
Mitch Jurisich, Chairman
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
New Orleans Lakefront Airport
6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70126
I. Pledge of Allegiance
II. Roll Call and Introduction of Guests
III. Approval of May 20, 2026 Meeting Minutes and the July 22, 2026 Agenda
IV. Treasury Report
A. LOTF Financial Report & Oyster Tag Sales
V. Committee Reports
A. Public and Private Oyster Grounds Committee (Mitch Jurisich)
B. Enforcement (Captain Joey Thompson)
C. Legislative (Brad Robin)
D. Legal (Brad Robin/Jakov Jurisic)
E. Research (Earl Melancon)
F. Coastal Restoration (Capt. George Ricks)
G. Marketing (BMF)
H. Health (LDH)
I. Aquaculture (Steve Pollock)
J. Joint Task Force Working Group (Mitch Jurisich)
VI. New Business
A. To Consider Funding for the 2027 Louisiana Live Event in Washington, DC. - OTF
B. To Consider Funding for a 2026/2027 Beuerman Miller Fitzgerald (BMF) PR Contract
- OTF
C. To Hear a Presentation on Market Information and the Importance of Testing for
Imports – David Williams, SeaD Consulting
D. To Hear a Presentation on the Dredging of the Barataria Waterway – Brent Duet,
Coastal Engineering Solutions
VII. Public Comment
VIII. Set Next Meeting
IX. Adjourn
The meeting will be held in compliance with Louisiana’s Open Meetings Law as defined by
Louisiana R.S. 42:11, et seq. The public is invited to attend. To listen in to the meeting via
webinar register at: https://wlf-la.zo …
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Wed May 20, 2026
Oyster Task Force
Louisiana Oyster Task Force reviews 2025–26 season and spill impacts
The Louisiana Oyster Task Force will convene to receive a season summary from LDWF, hear a legislative report, and get an update on the LOOP oil spill. Committee chairs will present reports on enforcement, aquaculture, coastal restoration, and other topics.
- Hear summary of the 2025–2026 oyster season from LDWF
- Discuss legislative report from The Chesapeake Group
- Hear update on the LOOP oil spill from LA Dept. of Conservation and Energy
oyster-fisherieslouisiana-wildlifeoil-spilllegislative-reportpublic-meeting
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Louisiana Oyster Task Force Meeting
Mitch Jurisich, Chairman
Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
New Orleans Lakefront Airport
6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70126
I. Pledge of Allegiance
II. Roll Call and Introduction of Guests
III. Approval of April 7, 2026 Meeting Minutes and the May 20, 2026 Agenda
IV. Treasury Report
A. LOTF Financial Report & Oyster Tag Sales
V. Committee Reports
A. Public and Private Oyster Grounds Committee (Mitch Jurisich)
B. Enforcement (Captain Joey Thompson)
C. Legislative (Brad Robin)
D. Legal (Brad Robin/Jakov Jurisic)
E. Research (Earl Melancon)
F. Coastal Restoration (Capt. George Ricks)
G. Marketing (BMF)
H. Health (LDH)
I. Aquaculture (Steve Pollock)
J. Joint Task Force Working Group (Mitch Jurisich)
VI. New Business
A. To Hear a Summary of the 2025-2026 Oyster Season – LDWF
B. To Discuss the Legislative Report from The Chesapeake Group – OTF
C. To Hear an Update on the LOOP Oil Spill – LA Dept. of Conservation and Energy
VII. Public Comment
VIII. Set Next Meeting
IX. Adjourn
The meeting will be held in compliance with Louisiana’s Open Meetings Law as defined by Louisiana R.S.
42:11, et seq. The public is invited to attend. To listen in to the meeting via webinar register at:
https://wlf-la.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MsVbEKehR2ONHw21srHmuA
If you would like to call in via phone, you can log onto the webinar by dialing in at 215-861-0674, and
using the password- 806520#.
The Louisiana D …
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Tue Apr 7, 2026
Oyster Task Force
Oyster Task Force to hear on ocean acidification, LOOP oil spill impacts
The Louisiana Oyster Task Force will meet to hear a presentation on ocean acidification and its effects on shellfish, discuss LOOP oil spill damages and economic impacts, and receive updates on current legislative bills. The meeting also includes committee reports on enforcement, aquaculture, and marketing, as well as discussions on updating harvester license training and oyster processor onshore culling.
- Presentation on ocean acidification and its effects on shellfish by SDMI
- Discussion of LOOP oil spill damages and economic impacts
- Update on current legislative bills
- Discussion on requiring Oyster Task Force approval for legislative bills relating to the task force
- Discussion on updating harvester license training for current time and temperature regulations
oyster-task-forceocean-acidificationoil-spilllegislationaquacultureenforcement
✓ Decided: Oyster Task Force approves reopening Sister Lake for fall 2026 season
The Task Force approved the reopening of Sister Lake for the fall 2026 oyster season following an oil spill. Members also reviewed the impact of the LOOP oil spill and discussed ongoing legislative bills and aquaculture processing standards.
- Approved reopening of Sister Lake for fall 2026 Oyster season
- Approved March 3, 2026 meeting minutes
- Approved amendment to April 7, 2026 agenda to discuss appointing a member from the Louisiana Oyster Dealers and Growers Association
- Accepted treasury report showing fund balance of $546,739 and budget balance of $22,701
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Louisiana Oyster Task Force Meeting
Mitch Jurisich, Chairman
Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
New Orleans Lakefront Airport
6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70126
I. Pledge of Allegiance
II. Roll Call and Introduction of Guests
III. Approval of March 3, 2026 Meeting Minutes and the April 7, 2026 Agenda
IV. Treasury Report
A. LOTF Financial Report & Oyster Tag Sales
V. Committee Reports
A. Public and Private Oyster Grounds Committee (Mitch Jurisich)
B. Enforcement (Major Davis Madere)
C. Legislative (Brad Robin)
D. Legal (Brad Robin/Jakov Jurisic)
E. Research (Earl Melancon)
F. Coastal Restoration (Capt. George Ricks)
G. Marketing (BMF)
H. Health (LDH)
I. Aquaculture (Steve Pollock)
J. Joint Task Force Working Group (Mitch Jurisich)
VI. New Business
A. To Hear a Presentation on Ocean Acidification and Its Effects on Shellfish- SDMI
B. To Discuss the LOOP Oil Spill Damages and Economic Impacts - OTF
C. To Hear an Update on Current Legislative Bills - OTF
D. To Discuss a Requirement for Oyster Task Force Approval for Legislative Bills
Relating to the Oyster Task Force - OTF
E. To Discuss Updating the Harvester License Training to Reflect Current Time and
Temperature Regulations - OTF
F. To Discuss Oyster Processors Culling Oysters Onshore – OTF
VII. Public Comment
VIII. Set Next Meeting
IX. Adjourn
The meeting will be held in compliance with Louisiana’s Open Meetings Law as defined by Louisiana R.S.
42:11, et seq. The public i …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Oyster Task Force Meeting
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 10:00am
New Orleans Lakefront Airport
6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd.
New Orleans, LA
I. Pledge of Allegiance
II. Roll call and introduction of guests
Voting Members Present:
Mitch Jurisich
Brad Robin
Brandt Lafrance
Al Sunseri
Jakov Jurisic
Shane Bagala
Willie Daisy
Voting Members Absent:
Peter Vujnovich
Sam Slavich
Matthew Slavich
Brandon Debarge
Steve Pollock
Non-Voting Members Present:
Robert Caballero
Major Davis Madere
Kyle Balkum
Non-Voting Members Absent:
Brian Lezina
Bryan Wallace
III. Approval of March 3, 2026 Meeting Minutes and the April 7, 2026 Agenda
Brad Robin motioned to approve the March 3, 2026 meeting minutes, 2nd by Willie Daisy. Motion
carries.
Brad Robin motioned to amend the April 7, 2026 meeting agenda to add item G. To discusses appointing
a member from the Louisiana Oyster Dealers and Growers Association to the OTF, 2nd by Shane Bagala.
Motion carries.
IV. Treasury Report
Remaining Fund Balance- $ 546,739
Remaining Budget Balance- $ 22,701
Brad Robin motioned to accept the treasury report as presented, 2nd by Brandt Lafrance. Motion carries.
V. Committee Reports
A. Public and Private Oyster Grounds Committee - No Report
B. Enforcement - Lt. Joey Thompson provided the enforcement report
February 9th – March 23rd 2026
Region 6
Terrebonne
3 – Take oysters without oyster harvester license
Seizures: 15 sacks of oysters seized and retu …
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Tue Mar 3, 2026
Oyster Task Force
Oyster Task Force to review lease renewals, funding, and salmonella response
The Louisiana Oyster Task Force will hear committee reports, discuss proposed changes to oyster lease renewal rules, and review updates on oyster season and seafood testing. The meeting includes a public comment period and will address funding requests and regulatory responses.
- Discuss proposed changes to R.S. 56:428(A) for oyster lease renewals in navigational areas
- Hear oyster season update and consider sister lake reopening dates
- Discuss funding for SeaD Consulting seafood testing
- Submit letter to CDC regarding Salmonella outbreak in oysters
- Consider nominations to fill Oyster Task Force seat vacancies
oyster-fisherieslease-renewalsfood-safetyfundingregulationspublic-health
✓ Decided: Oyster Task Force opposes several bills and approves Sister Lake reopening
The Task Force voted to oppose legislation regarding bulk tagging and oyster lease term reductions while supporting a budget increase to $200,000. The board also approved a proposed reopening plan for Sister Lake and supported adding a Department of Agriculture and Forestry member to the task force.
- Approved budget increase to $200,000 via HB1
- Opposed HB 889 (bulk tagging of oysters)
- Opposed HB 770 (reducing oyster lease terms from 15 to 5 years)
- Supported HB 652 (adding one Department of Agriculture and Forestry member to OTF)
- Opposed SB 249 and SB 296 (adding two members to LDWF Commission)
- Supported HB 588 (adding members to Seafood Safety Task Force)
- Approved proposed reopening plan for Sister Lake
- Deferred funding for SeaD Consulting seafood testing
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Louisiana Oyster Task Force Meeting
Mitch Jurisich, Chairman
Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
New Orleans Lakefront Airport
6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70126
I. Pledge of Allegiance
II. Roll Call and Introduction of Guests
III. Approval of January 14, 2026 Meeting Minutes and the March 3, 2026 Agenda
IV. Treasury Report
A. LOTF Financial Report & Oyster Tag Sales
V. Committee Reports
A. Public and Private Oyster Grounds Committee (Mitch Jurisich)
B. Enforcement (Major Davis Madere)
C. Legislative (Brad Robin)
D. Legal (Brad Robin/Jakov Jurisic)
E. Research (Earl Melancon)
F. Coastal Restoration (Capt. George Ricks)
G. Marketing (BMF)
H. Health (LDH)
I. Aquaculture (Steve Pollock)
J. Joint Task Force Working Group (Mitch Jurisich)
VI. New Business
A. To Discuss the Proposed Changes to R.S. 56:428 (A) for Oyster Lease Renewals in
Navigational Areas - OTF
B. To Hear Oyster Season Update and Consider Sister Lake Reopening Dates - LDWF
C. To Hear a Report from the Oyster Lease Damage Evaluation Board - OTF
D. To Discuss Funding for SeaD Consulting Seafood Testing – OTF
E. To Discuss Submitting a Letter to the CDC for a Response of the Salmonella
Outbreak in Oysters - OTF
F. To Hear an Update on Filling OTF Seat Vacancies and Consider Nominations- OTF
VII. Public Comment
VIII. Set Next Meeting
IX. Adjourn
The meeting will be held in compliance with Louisiana’s Open Meetings Law as defined by Louisiana R.S.
42:11, et seq. The …
Excerpt truncated on this listing page. Full text →
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Oyster Task Force Meeting
Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
New Orleans Lakefront Airport
6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd.
New Orleans, LA
I. Pledge of Allegiance
II. Roll call and introduction of guests
Voting Members Present:
Mitch Jurisich
Brad Robin
Brandt Lafrance
Al Sunseri
Peter Vujnovich
Sam Slavich
Jakov Jurisic
Voting Members Absent:
Shane Bagala
Matthew Slavich
Brandon Debarge
Willie Daisy
Steve Pollock
Non-Voting Members Present:
Robert Caballero
Mike Garrity in for Davis Madere
Brian Lezina
Non-Voting Members Absent:
Bryan Wallace
Kyle Balkum
III. Approval of January 14, 2026 Meeting Minutes and the March 3, 2026 Agenda
Brad Robin motioned to approve the January 14, 2026 meeting minutes, 2nd by Brandt Lafrance. Motion
carries.
Al Sunseri motioned to amend “Agenda Item A” on the March 3, 2026 agenda to hold discussion on new
bills, 2nd by Peter Vujnovich. Motion carries.
IV. Treasury Report
Remaining Fund Balance- $563,946
Remaining Budget Balance- $53,723
Peter Vujnovich motioned to accept the treasury report as presented, 2nd by Brad Robin.
Mitch Jurisich opened the floor for discussion.
Jakov Jurisic asked how many tags where sold in January.
Sonya Self stated 60,000 white and 6,000 green tags.
Jason Froeba stated that under the current OTF’s budget of 158,000 there would not be enough funds to
fund SeaD Consulting. Jason Froeba stated that an amendment would have to be submitted at the next
legis …
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Wed Jan 14, 2026
Oyster Task Force
Oyster Task Force to hear updates on season, funding, and health risks
The Louisiana Oyster Task Force will review committee reports, hear updates on the current oyster season, discuss funding for SeaD Consulting seafood testing, and address a recent Salmonella outbreak in oysters. The meeting also includes officer elections and a discussion of new Vibrio vulnificus forecasting models from LSU.
- Discuss funding for SeaD Consulting seafood testing
- Address Salmonella outbreak in oysters
- Officer elections for the Oyster Task Force
- Review LSU’s new Vibrio vulnificus forecasting models
- Hear update on the current oyster season from LDWF
oyster-fisheriesfood-safetypublic-healthwildlife-managementtask-force
✓ Decided: Oyster Task Force approves funding for imported oyster genetic testing
The Task Force approved funding for SeaD Consulting to develop a genetic test to identify imported oysters and requested legislation to add oysters to seafood labeling regulations. The board also voted to maintain its current administration and approved adding a representative from the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to the task force.
- Approved funding for SeaD Consulting to develop a genetic test for imported oysters
- Approved request for legislation to add oysters to existing seafood labeling regulations
- Approved adding a task force seat for a Department of Agriculture and Forestry representative
- Approved keeping current administration in office
- Approved November 12, 2025 meeting minutes
- Approved January 14, 2026 meeting agenda
- Accepted treasury report showing $608,511 fund balance
- Approved motion to discuss consequences of publications with LSU publication department
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Louisiana Oyster Task Force Meeting
Mitch Jurisich, Chairman
Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
New Orleans Lakefront Airport
6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70126
I. Pledge of Allegiance
II. Roll Call and Introduction of Guests
III. Approval of November 12, 2025 Meeting Minutes and the January 14, 2026 Agenda
IV. Treasury Report
A. LOTF Financial Report & Oyster Tag Sales
V. Committee Reports
A. Public and Private Oyster Grounds Committee (Mitch Jurisich)
B. Enforcement (Captain Davis Madere)
C. Legislative (Brad Robin)
D. Legal (Brad Robin/Jakov Jurisic)
E. Research (Earl Melancon)
F. Coastal Restoration (Capt. George Ricks)
G. Marketing (BMF)
H. Health (LDH)
I. Aquaculture (Steve Pollock)
J. Joint Task Force Working Group (Mitch Jurisich)
VI. New Business
A. To Hear an Update on the Current Oyster Season - LDWF
B. To Discuss an Updated Proposal and Consider Funding for SeaD Consulting
Seafood Testing – David Williams, SeaD Consulting
C. To Discuss the Salmonella Outbreak in Oysters – OTF and LDH
D. Officer Elections – OTF
E. To Discuss the LSU Research Publication of New Forecasting Models for Vibrio
vulnificus- OTF
VII. Public Comment
VIII. Set Next Meeting
IX. Adjourn
The meeting will be held in compliance with Louisiana’s Open Meetings Law as defined by Louisiana R.S.
42:11, et seq. The public is invited to attend. To listen in to the meeting via webinar register at : https://wlf-
la.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_j-0OD …
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📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Oyster Task Force Meeting
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 10:00am
New Orleans Lakefront Airport
6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd.
New Orleans, LA
I. Pledge of Allegiance
II. Roll call and introduction of guests
Voting Members Present:
Mitch Jurisich
Brad Robin
Brandt Lafrance
Al Sunseri
Steve Pollock
Peter Vujnovich
Sam Slavich
Shane Bagala
Jakov Jurisic
Matthew Slavich
Voting Members Absent:
Brandon Debarge
Willie Daisy
Non-Voting Members Present:
Robert Caballero
Davis Madere
Kyle Balkum
Brian Lezina
Non-Voting Members Absent:
Bryan Wallace
III. Brad Robin motioned to approve the November 12, 2025 meeting minutes, 2nd by Brandt Lafrance.
Motion carries.
Brad Robin motioned to approve the January 14, 2026 meeting agenda, 2nd by Peter Vujnovich. Motion
carries.
IV. Treasury Report
Remaining Fund Balance- $608,511
Remaining Budget Balance- $110,168
Peter Vujnovich motioned to accept the treasury report as presented, 2nd by Brad Robin. Motion carries.
A. Public- Private Oyster Seed Grounds Committee- No report
B. Enforcement Report- Major Davis Madere provided the enforcement report
Terrebonne
1 - Commission rules and regs (fail to tag oysters prior to leaving seed grounds) in Terrebonne
sister lake, approximately 40 lbs of oysters seized.
1 - 56:499 A failure to fill out oyster tags correctly Terrebonne with no seizures
1 - 56:435 use illegal dredge (dive plate on the seed ground) Terrebonne parish, sister lake, 1 …
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