Current regulations for both species were set over 30 years ago. Since then, a number of factors - including a large increase in number of anglers and extensive loss of habitat - have led to their declines. As a result, both species currently have Spawning Potential Ratios (SPRs) below their conservation standards.
The redfish NOI calls for the following change:
- Current: 5 fish, 16 - 27 inch slot, one over slot allowed
- Proposed: 3 fish, 18 - 24 inch slot, none over slot
The trout NOI calls for the following change:
- Current: 25 fish, 12 inch minimum
- Proposed: 15 fish, 13 - 20 inch slot, two allowed over slot
While conservationists are delighted about these proposals, they're just that - proposals. An NOI must go through a public comment period, followed by approval from the Legislative Oversight Committee, and then it becomes rule.
For this reason, there is still much left to do to insure these NOIs become regulation. We strongly urge fly fishers, kayak anglers, and other champions of conservation to contact the following folks who will help with the final decision process:
LWFC NOI comments sent to:
jadriance@wlf.la.gov
LA Senate Natural Resource Committee Members
https://senate.la.gov/Sen_Committees/NaturalResources
| Hensgens, Bob sen26@legis.la.gov |
Fesi, Michael "Big Mike" sen20@legis.la.gov |
Allain, R. L. Bret allainb@legis.la.gov |
| Connick, Patrick connickp@legis.la.gov |
Hewitt, Sharon hewitts@legis.la.gov |
Kleinpeter, Caleb sen17@legis.la.gov |
| Lambert, Eddie J. lamberte@legis.la.gov |
McMath, Patrick sen11@legis.la.gov |
LA House Natural Resource Committee Members
https://house.louisiana.gov/H_Cmtes/NaturalResources
| Coussan, Jean-Paul coussanjp@legis.la.gov |
Bourriaque, Ryan hse047@legis.la.gov |
Butler, Rhonda Gaye hse038@legis.la.gov |
|
| Carrier, R. Dewith hse032@legis.la.gov |
Cormier, Mack hse105@legis.la.gov |
Fisher, Adrian hse016@legis.la.gov |
|
| Hilferty, Stephanie hilfertys@legis.la.gov |
Kerner, Timothy P. hse084@legis.la.gov |
Landry, Mandie hse091@legis.la.gov |
|
| McKnight, Scott hse068@legis.la.gov |
Mincey, Jr., Buddy hse071@legis.la.gov |
Orgeron, Joseph A. hse054@legis.la.gov |
|
| Riser, Neil risern@legis.la.gov |
Romero, Troy D. hse037@legis.la.gov |
Schamerhorn, Rodney hse024@legis.la.gov |
|
| Wheat, Jr., William "Bill" hse073@legis.la.gov |
Magee, Tanner mageet@legis.la.gov |
Schexnayder, Clay schexnayderc@legis.la.gov |
https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/form/home/4
In addition, there will be a special public meeting on September 21st at LDWF Headquarters in Baton Rouge regarding speckled trout regulations. We urge anyone who can make this meeting to attend.