Shrimp Task Force public meetings in 2021
8 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Shrimp Task Force
The Louisiana Shrimp Task Force will discuss damage assessment of the seafood industry after Hurricane Ida and related assistance, along with updates on USDA Covid-19 grants and CARES Act funding. They will also hear presentations on shrimp and blue crab landings from Lake Pontchartrain and trends in commercial shrimp landings. Other items include new speckled trout regulations, TEDs update, and Senate Resolution 105 regarding taking shrimp in Lake Pontchartrain.
- Discuss damage assessment of seafood industry after Hurricane Ida and related assistance
- Discuss USDA Covid-19 grants and CARES Act funding
- Hear presentation on commercial landings of shrimp and blue crabs from Lake Pontchartrain: 2015-2020
- Discuss new speckled trout regulations
- Discuss Senate Resolution 105 regarding taking shrimp in Lake Pontchartrain
The task force approved the October 2021 minutes and a financial report showing a remaining fund balance of $672,569. Members voted to support an external review agreement with Audubon Gulf and appointed Andrew Blanchard as the representative for final approval. The board also voted to maintain current laws regarding shrimping in Lake Pontchartrain.
- Approved October 20, 2021 meeting minutes
- Approved financial report with $672,569 fund balance
- Voted to support Audubon Gulf external review at 25% of the $64,000 cost
- Appointed Andrew Blanchard to approve the finalized Audubon Gulf agreement
- Voted to keep current law as it stands regarding Lake Pontchartrain shrimping
- Appointed Andrew Blanchard as representative for a joint letter with the Crab Task Force
Shrimp Task Force
The Louisiana Shrimp Task Force will meet to discuss the distribution of CARES Act funding, fisheries disaster assistance for Hurricane Ida, and other industry matters. The meeting is open to the public with webinar access available.
- Discussion of CARES Act funding distribution for the shrimp industry
- Update on fisheries disaster assistance related to Hurricane Ida
- Discussion of LA Sea Grant purpose and services to the shrimp industry
- Approval of meeting minutes from August 20, 2021
- Public comment period
The task force approved the August 4, 2021 minutes, the financial report, and funding for board travel to D.C. Members discussed CARES Act funding distribution, disaster recovery planning for Hurricane Ida, and shrimp imports. A committee was formed to coordinate with the Crab Task Force regarding Lake Pontchartrain.
- Approved August 4, 2021 meeting minutes
- Approved financial report with fund balance of $676,737
- Approved up to $15,000 for board member travel to Washington, D.C.
- Appointed Chalin Delaune, Acy Cooper, and Andrew Blanchard to a committee for Senate Resolution 105 regarding Lake Pontchartrain
Shrimp Task Force
The Louisiana Shrimp Task Force will meet to review reports on federal permits and financial status. The agenda includes discussions on shrimp imports, TEDs regulations, and the potential hiring of a lobbyist.
- Presentation on the Fall Inshore Shrimp Season
- Discussion of Senate Resolution 105 regarding Lake Pontchartrain
- Consideration of funding for the 2022 LA Alive Event
- Discussion of Fisheries Disaster Spending Plan
- Presentation on Offshore Wind Development in the Gulf
The Shrimp Task Force approved funding for litigation against federal turtle excluder device (TED) mandates and recommended delaying the fall inshore shrimp season. The body also supported a sustainability resolution and an external review of fishery management.
- Authorized LA Attorney General to challenge federal TED regulations in skimmer nets and approved up to $150,000 for litigation
- Recommended pushing back fall inshore shrimp season opening to August 16, 2021 (with Biloxi Marsh opening August 27)
- Approved up to $7,500 (50%) to fund the 2022 Louisiana Alive event
- Approved a sustainability resolution in support of sustainability certification
- Approved Teleoust quote and dedicated up to $4,000 (50%) for shrimp industry review
- Approved June 2, 2021 meeting minutes
- Accepted financial report showing $673,423 fund balance and $59,575 budget balance
- Sent the proposal to hire a lobbyist to committee for further discussion
Shrimp Task Force
The Louisiana Shrimp Task Force is meeting to discuss a Special Bait Dealers Permit notice of intent from the LDWF. The body will also consider Senate Resolution 105 and Senate Bill 134 regarding the taking of shrimp in Lake Pontchartrain.
- Special Bait Dealers Permit NOI- LDWF
- Senate Resolution 105 and Senate Bill 134 regarding shrimping in Lake Pontchartrain
The task force voted to oppose a Notice of Intent (NOI) regarding special bait dealers permits. The body recommended keeping current regulations during closed shrimping seasons and allowing larger gear only when the season is open.
- Approved May 20, 2021 meeting minutes
- Approved June 2, 2021 meeting agenda
- Opposed Special Bait Dealers Permit NOI
- Approved amendment to recommend keeping current regulations during closed shrimping season and allowing bigger gear when the season is open (unanimous)
Shrimp Task Force
The Louisiana Shrimp Task Force will meet to discuss and hear updates on several key items, including federal fisheries disaster funding, proposed changes to shrimp trawling regulations, and state legislation affecting shrimp fishing in Lake Pontchartrain and fee increases for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The board will also consider funding for the 2022 LA Fisheries Forward Summit. Public attendance is limited due to COVID-19 guidelines.
- Update on federal fisheries disaster funding
- Update on Senate Bill 134 regarding shrimp taking in Lake Pontchartrain
- Update on HB691 regarding fee increases for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
- Discussion of NOAA proposed rule on TEDs in skimmer trawl vessels under 40 feet
- Consideration of funding for the 2022 LA Fisheries Forward Summit
The task force approved funding for the 2022 LA Fisheries Forward Summit and accepted the financial report. Members discussed disaster funding, license fee increases, and opposition to turtle excluder device (TED) requirements for small vessels.
- Approved $5,000 for 2022 LA Fisheries Forward Summit
- Approved March 31, 2021 meeting minutes
- Approved May 20, 2021 meeting agenda
- Accepted financial report showing $657,799 fund balance and $59,969 budget balance
Shrimp Task Force
The Shrimp Task Force will meet to hear a presentation on setting the 2021 Spring Inshore Shrimp Season opening date. The board will also discuss Senate Bill 134 regarding shrimp in Lake Pontchartrain and a proposed NOAA rule for skimmer trawl vessels.
- Presentation on 2021 Spring Inshore Shrimp Season opening date
- Discussion of Senate Bill 134 regarding shrimp in Lake Pontchartrain
- Discussion of NOAA proposed rule on TED use in vessels under 40ft
- Discussion of Federal Fisheries Disaster Funding
Shrimp Task Force
The Louisiana Shrimp Task Force will meet to discuss several regulatory and financial items, including a licensing restructure proposal and 2019 fisheries disaster spending. The agenda also includes updates on CARES Act funding and shrimp product imports.
- Discussion of the 2019 Fisheries Disaster Spending Plan
- Discussion of the Licensing Restructure Proposal
- Presentation on Imports of Shrimp Products
- Discussion of new TEDs rule for skimmer vessels 40ft and above
- Consideration of funding for a STF mail-out regarding TEDs
Shrimp Task Force
The Shrimp Task Force will meet via webinar to discuss the FDA’s proposed rule regarding additional food traceability records. The group will also consider writing a letter opposing a rule that would require skimmer vessels 40ft and above to install Turtle Excluder Devices.
- Discussion of FDA's Proposed Rule, 'Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods'
- Consideration of a letter in opposition to the TEDs Rule for skimmer vessels 40ft and above
- Approval of December 9, 2020 meeting minutes
The task force voted to submit official comments opposing a proposed FDA traceability rule for food products. Additionally, the body approved writing a letter of opposition to the Governor’s Office regarding a rule requiring turtle excluder devices (TEDs) on skimmer vessels 40ft and above.
- Approved December 9, 2020 meeting minutes
- Approved February 15, 2021 meeting agenda
- Approved financial report with fund balance of $648,272 and budget balance of $60,029
- Approved submission of official comment to the FDA opposing the proposed traceability rule
- Appointed Alan Gibson and Kristen Baumer to review and approve the FDA comment letter
- Approved writing a letter of opposition to the Governor’s Office regarding the TEDs rule for skimmer vessels 40ft and above