Shrimp Task Force public meetings in 2022
6 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Shrimp Task Force
The Louisiana Shrimp Task Force will meet to hear updates on shrimp sustainability certifications and the state of the industry. The agenda also includes discussions regarding BOEM’s renewable energy leasing updates and a presentation on a bycatch reduction device project.
- Update on shrimp sustainability certifications
- Discussion of BOEM’s Renewable Energy Leasing Updates
- Presentation on a Better Bycatch Reduction Device Project from LA Sea Grant
- Consideration of funding for the 2023 LA Fisheries Forward Summit
The board approved a contract for professional services to engage with federal and congressional staff. Funding was also provided for a fisheries summit, and the board approved its financial report.
- Approved up to $70,000 contract with American Strategic Partners for professional services (Unanimous)
- Approved $5,000 in funding for the 2023 LA Fisheries Forward Summit
- Approved financial report showing $691,814 fund balance and $270,331 budget balance (Unanimous)
- Approved September 21, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved November 2, 2022 meeting agenda
Shrimp Task Force
The Shrimp Task Force will meet to discuss the current state of the shrimp industry and potential hiring of a lobbyist. The agenda also includes discussions regarding HB335 amendments and a public fishermen's meeting.
- Discussion on hiring a lobbyist
- Consideration of funding to hire a lobbyist
- Discussion of HB335 amendments
- Discussion of the Public Fishermen's Meeting
- Selection of a STF Representative for the Natural Resource Committee Meeting
The task force appointed Acy Cooper, Jr. to represent the body at the Natural Resources Committee meeting. Members discussed the economic decline of the shrimp industry due to imports and explored hiring a liaison to advocate for the industry in Washington, D.C. and at the state level.
- Approved August 3, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved September 21, 2022 meeting agenda
- Designated Acy Cooper, Jr. as representative for Natural Resources Committee meeting
- Agreed to pursue a contract for a federal and state liaison subject to legal review
Shrimp Task Force
The Louisiana Shrimp Task Force will meet to receive a presentation on the 2022 Fall Inshore Shrimp Season from LDWF and to discuss and consider BOEM's draft wind energy areas in the Gulf of Mexico. Other items include updates on the Shrimp Label of Origin Bill (HB335), funding decisions for sustainability assessments and the 2023 LA Fisheries Forward Summit, and discussion of shrimp prices. The meeting is open to the public via webinar or phone.
- Presentation and consideration of the 2022 Fall Inshore Shrimp Season by LDWF
- Discussion and consideration of BOEM's Draft Wind Energy Areas in the Gulf of Mexico
- Update and discussion on the Shrimp Label of Origin Bill (HB335) by LDH
- Discussion and consideration of funding for MSC and Gulf RFM Shrimp Fishery Sustainability Assessments and Audubon Gulf’s Operational Costs
- Consideration of funding for the 2023 LA Fisheries Forward Summit by Julie Falgout, LA Sea Grant
The task force voted to accept the LDWF's 2022 fall inshore shrimp season recommendation. Members discussed shrimp import labeling laws and the need for stronger enforcement, but no funding for the 2023 LA Fisheries Forward Summit was approved.
- Approved May 4, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved August 3, 2022 meeting agenda
- Accepted LDWF’s 2022 fall inshore shrimp season recommendation (unanimous roll call)
- Denied $5,000 funding for 2023 LA Fisheries Forward Summit (no second)
Shrimp Task Force
The Shrimp Task Force will hear a presentation regarding the 2022 Spring Inshore Shrimp Season opening date. The meeting also includes an update on the Audubon G.U.L.F. RFM and the Certified Seafood Collaborative, Alaska RFM.
- Presentation on setting the 2022 Spring Inshore Shrimp Season opening date
- Update on the Audubon G.U.L.F. RFM and the Certified Seafood Collaborative, Alaska RFM
The task force approved a recommendation for the 2022 spring inshore shrimp season opening dates across three zones. The board also authorized a representative to speak on the Menhaden Bill. Discussions were held regarding shrimp certification and TED reimbursement delays.
- Approved 2022 spring opening: Zone 2 on May 9; Zone 1 open waters on May 16; Biloxi Marsh and Zone 3 on May 23; Mermentau River on May 28 (4-3)
- Approved Acy Cooper to speak on behalf of the task force regarding the Menhaden Bill
- Approved April 20, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved amended agenda to include TEDs Reimbursement and the Menhaden Bill
Shrimp Task Force
The Louisiana Shrimp Task Force will meet to approve minutes and financial reports, then hear presentations from LDWF on flounder regulations, shrimp fishery trends, and frozen shrimp imports. They will also discuss the Shrimp Sunset Review and receive an update on the LDAF pandemic response program. Officer elections and public comment are scheduled.
- Update on proposed flounder regulations from LDWF
- Presentation on recent shrimp fishery trends and outlook from LDWF
- Presentation on imports of frozen shell-on shrimp by size category from LDWF
- Discussion of the Shrimp Sunset Review by STF
- Update on LDAF's Louisiana Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety Program
The task force voted to recommend against an early opening of the white shrimp season to protect brown shrimp recruitment. The board also elected a new chairman and vice-chairman and accepted a financial report showing a remaining fund balance of $689,108.
- Recommended against early opening of white shrimp season (Passed; 1 no, 1 abstained)
- Approved February 16, 2022 meeting minutes
- Accepted financial report with $689,108 fund balance
- Elected Acy Cooper as STF chairman
- Elected Rodney Olander as STF vice-chairman
- Approved April 20, 2022 meeting agenda as amended
Shrimp Task Force
The Louisiana Shrimp Task Force will consider holding an executive session to discuss litigation strategy in a lawsuit against the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. Other agenda items include proposals to hire a lobbyist, updates on federal shrimp closure and the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, and presentations on shrimp landings trends and offshore wind development.
- Executive session to discuss litigation strategy in State of Louisiana v. Gina Raimondo, C.A. No. 21-1523
- Proposal to hire a lobbyist to represent the Shrimp Task Force
- Discussion of 3-mile closure in parts of Zone 2
- Update on schedule and mitigation plan for Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion
- Presentation on offshore wind development in the Gulf of Mexico
The Task Force approved the December 2021 minutes and a financial report showing a fund balance of $677,406. Members discussed the potential hire of a lobbyist and reviewed a $4.2M USDA grant program for seafood processors. The board also deliberated on potential changes to the 2019 flood disaster spending plan.
- Approved December 8, 2021 meeting minutes
- Approved financial report with $677,406 fund balance
- Approved amended February 16, 2022 agenda
- Entered and exited executive session to discuss litigation strategy