Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission announced “significant openings” to recreational fishing recently.
“The measures taken today by the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission will allow recreational anglers, including recreational shrimping, crabbing and fishing, to resume,” said LDWF Secretary Robert Barham. “While I am pleased and fully support today's action, I caution all fishermen to exercise caution while fishing in areas closed to commercial fishing.”
This opening includes licensed charter boat guides and bait fishermen or dealers who harvest for and sell to recreational fishermen exclusively.
Recreational fishing is being allowed subject to continual testing and monitoring, as this activity is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. To date the Environmental Protection Agency's near shore water tests have shown chemical contamination levels below public health concern.
“I consider today's action the first step in opening state waters to all fishing, both recreational and commercial,” added Barham.
Although recreational fishing will be allowed in portions of the previously closed fishing areas, certain delineated areas, including heavily oiled areas, areas associated with boom and areas of active cleanup continue to be closed to recreational fishing.
