Shrimp Task Force public meetings in 2020
4 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Shrimp Task Force
The Louisiana Shrimp Task Force will meet to discuss the results of a shrimp bycatch study, Gulf sustainability certification, a 2019 fisheries disaster spending plan, a South Pass 37 proposal, turtle excluder device funding, shrimp prices, and aid for coastal fishermen due to 2020 hurricanes. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and a financial report.
- Discussion on the Results of the Shrimp Bycatch Study
- To Discuss the Gulf-RFM Sustainability Certification and Future Implications
- 2019 Fisheries Disaster Spending Plan
- To Discuss Shrimp Prices
- To Discuss Aid for LA Coastal Fishermen due to 2020 Hurricanes and Evacuation Losses
The task force recommended that the Council leave the South Pass 37 derrick structure as is. Members also formed a committee to develop a federal fisheries disaster spending plan and requested the Governor seek injunctive relief regarding new turtle excluder device rules.
- Approved August 5, 2020 meeting minutes
- Approved financial report (Fund Balance: $621,182; Budget Balance: $60,029)
- Formed Fisheries Disaster Spending Plan Committee (Rodney Olander, Acy Cooper, Andrew Blanchard)
- Recommended to Council to leave South Pass 37 structure as is
- Approved motion to request Governor meet with Attorney General for injunctive relief regarding TEDs regulation for 40ft+ vessels
- Approved motion to send copy of Governor's letter to all skimmer license holders
- Approved letter of support for Lower Bayou Petit Caillou Ridge Restoration and HNC Lock Complex Bypass projects
Shrimp Task Force
The Louisiana Shrimp Task Force is meeting via webinar to discuss fisheries funding and seasonal operations. The body will consider a strategy to keep some state inside waters open after the spring inshore closure.
- Overview of CARES ACT and 2019 Fisheries Disaster Funding
- Presentation on the upcoming Fall Inshore Shrimp Season
- Adaptive Management Strategy for state inside waters closures
- Discussion of shrimp certification paperwork for license renewals
- Consideration of funding for a trip to a US Trade Commission Hearing in D.C.
The Task Force approved the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries' recommendation to open the 2020 Fall Inshore Shrimp Season on August 10, despite some members pushing for an August 17 date. The group also voted to submit a comment opposing the Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion. Additionally, the board approved the financial report and previous meeting minutes.
- Approved May 6, 2020 meeting minutes
- Approved financial report with fund balance of $624,985
- Accepted LDWF recommendation to open Fall Inshore Shrimp Season on August 10 (4-2-1)
- Denied motion to open season on August 17 (2-3-1)
- Denied substitute motion to take no position on season setting (2-3-1)
- Approved submission of comment opposing Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion EIS
Shrimp Task Force
The Shrimp Task Force will review upcoming spring inshore shrimp season details and industry resources related to COVID-19. The body will also discuss a request regarding the Governor’s Designee seat.
- Presentation on Upcoming Spring Inshore Shrimp Season
- Discussion of Request to Reappoint STF Governor’s Designee Seat
- Presentation on Covid-19 Seafood Safety
- Presentation on Industry Issues and Resources Related to Covid-19
The Shrimp Task Force approved the recommended opening dates for Zones 1 and 2 of the spring inshore shrimp season. The board also voted to request that the Governor's Office fill a vacancy for the Governor's Designee seat.
- Approved amended February 5, 2020 meeting minutes
- Approved May 6, 2020 meeting minutes
- Approved financial report as presented
- Approved spring inshore shrimp season opening dates for Zones 1 and 2 on May 18, 2020, at 6:00am
- Approved sending a letter to the Governor's Office to request an appointment for the STF Governor's Designee seat vacancy
Shrimp Task Force
The Shrimp Task Force is meeting to review reports on shrimp import values and federal permit data. Members will discuss regulations regarding processed shrimp labeling and the use of TEDs in skimmer trawl vessels. The body will also consider funding for trips to Washington, D.C. and the purchase of enforcement drones.
- Presentation on dollar value of shrimp import products compared to the 1980s
- Discussion on federal and state laws regarding processed shrimp product labeling
- Discussion on NOAA rule requiring TEDs in skimmer trawl vessels 40ft and greater
- Discussion on the purchase of enforcement drones
- Consideration of funding for Shrimp Task Force trips to Washington, D.C.
The task force elected Alan Gibson as chairman and George Barisich as vice chairman. Members approved funding for three representatives to visit Washington, D.C. in the spring and agreed to support a committee regarding the Calumet Cut.
- Approved December 11, 2019 meeting minutes
- Approved February 5, 2020 meeting agenda
- Approved treasury report showing fund balances of $666,366 and $45,460
- Postponed discussion on federal and state labeling laws for processed shrimp
- Approved drafting a letter of support for work regarding the Calumet Cut
- Approved funding to send three members to Washington, D.C. in the spring
- Elected Alan Gibson as chairman
- Elected George Barisich as vice chairman