LDWF Seeks Input From Louisiana Anglers on Redfish Regulations
Keith Lusher 04.19.23
According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana’s redfish population has seen a drastic reduction due to overfishing. The department also said that their studies prove that not enough fish are surviving long enough to join the offshore spawn that occurs in coastal waters. Jason Adriance, the department’s program manager said, “This recruitment is the lowest we have seen. It’s a worrying trend.”
Now that the LDWF has sounded the alarm, they are seeking input from the public on Redfish management options. The survey is intended to gather information to present recommendations to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC). In addition to the survey being made available online, LDWF conducted an email survey sent to over 10,000 individuals with resident saltwater licenses.
Here is how LDWF has come to their most recent conclusion that the redfish population is in trouble: The juvenile population of Redfish is measured through the “escapement” rate, which identifies the number of Redfish that make it to the offshore spawning stock from inshore waters. Louisiana’s current escapement rate is 20%, lower than the 30% limit set for management.
This is forcing the department to explore options to change how redfish are managed by reducing harvest levels and promoting population growth.
After gathering all public comments, the LDWF will present a summary of angler preferences to the LWFC after reviewing all public input forums.
This comes on the heels of the department enforcing the states first ever flounder season closure last fall of 2023. The LDWF has also pushed hard for new reduced limits for speckled trout but the Louisiana Senate rejected the proposed regulation in February that would have limited the number of speckled trout that could be caught in state waters from 25 to 15 and increased the size limit from 12 inches to 13.5 inches.
It’s very important for Louisiana anglers to weigh in on the department’s recent push to limit redfish limits. The daily limit is currently 5 with a 16-inch minimum size limit. The survey is confidential and can be accessed at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/hot-topic-red-drum. For any queries or comments, please reach out to Jack Isaacs at 225-476-5265 or jsaacs@wlf.la.gov.
