As we alluded to in an earlier post, this bill would've done more than just given gamefish status to one of the most prized recreational species in saltwater. It would have put management of tarpon under the auspices of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. And it turn, the LWFC could've determined the extent of current "catch and kill" tarpon tournaments. It also would've required LWFC to take actions to limit any activity in which tarpon was a significant bycatch.
In his veto letter, Landry wrote: "I can discern no corresponding conservation benefits in this designation. There is no real harvest pressure on tarpon, and nothing in the science suggests we need new limits or restrictions to protect them. Louisiana anglers do not need more regulatory hurdles for their recreational activities."
The Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) and Fly Fishers International (FFI) expressed extreme disappointment in this action. It's their belief that this was a measure to further protect the menhaden industry from repercussions of tarpon bycatch. Both organizations are appealing to legislators to include HB688 in a veto override session. Such sessions are usually held several weeks after the close of the annual routine legislative session.