This meeting took place only a year after the current regulations of a 1/2 mile buffer were established as a "compromise" between conservationists and industry representatives. At the time, it appeared almost certain a one-mile buffer would be set, but Governor Landry insisted that there be some compromise.
Now the industry has broken it's agreement.
In testimony yesterday, industry leaders argued with some data that they claim would not result in additional bycatch of red drum and black drum if the buffer were reduced. Most of that came from a year-long bycatch study by LGL Group.
LGL President Scott Raborn was asked to speak first and answer several questions. During the questioning by LWFC Chairman Kevin Segura, it was vague whether moving the buffer would result in greater bycatch. However, Dr. Raborn was not allowed to finish his testimony which, in those areas where the 1/2 mile buffer was deeper than 22 feet, there WOULD be an increase in bycatch.
The industry reps continued their arguments claiming:
- the buffer was impacting their ability to catch pogies
- that menhaden is overrated as a forage species,
- that pelagic fish will gravitate towards other prey such as shrimp and crabs if menhaden are reduced in their area
- that the menhaden harvest in Louisiana reduces the total biomass of menhaden in the Gulf of Mexico by only 3 percent.
Conservation advocates - including State Representative Joe Orgeron, Chris Macaluso of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Glen Cormier of the FFI Gulf Coast Council -tore apart each of these arguments in short order. Also joining in dissecting the misinformation - as well as providing supporting scientific facts were representatives of CCA Louisiana, American Saltwater Guides Association, Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Center for Sportfishing Policy, and several others.
Overall, the opponents in attendance and number of speakers in opposition was 3-to-1 to the commercial industry. And this is even more impressive when considering that an overwhelming number of guides were unable to attend since October and November are their busiest times of the year. In addition, over 800 emails and letters were sent to the Commission opposing this NOI.
Despite the overwhelming opposition and "real" scientific arguments by conservation representatives, the Commission voted as many expected - right along commercial / sport lines. With the 3-3 tie, Chairman Segura cast the deciding vote in favor of the NOI.
Here's what happens next...
The Notice of Intent will be published, and once so, there's a public comment period that opens on December 19th and concludes on January 23rd. It then goes to the Legislative Oversight Committee for review, and if no action is taken, it would become official on March 20, 2026.
While the comments period is certainly an opportunity to express our displeasure with the NOI, it's our opinion that further comments will do little the votes on the Commission. As stated, these votes were cast along partisan lines and there's little expectation that will change.
Therefore, all effort must be made to persuade members of the House and Senate Natural Resources Committees. These members make up the Legislative Oversight Committee that can veto the NOI.
To use a football analogy, it's halftime and we're down on the scoreboard. But we have a chance to pull out a victory if we work hard enough! Stay tuned for more details to come.