Louisiana Fisheries
Current NewsAbout UsBiological InfoManagement InfoHabitat Info
Louisiana Fisherman Professionalism ProgramAquaculture InfoLegal & Socio-Economic Issues
Fisheries & PeopleResources & PublicationsFisheries FAQsSearch
LSU AgCenter Louisiana Sea Grant Louisiana Fisheries Louisiana Fisheries

Home > Current News > 2006

News: 2006

Commercial Fishing for Tilefishes in Louisiana to Close Until Jan. 1, 2007
Posted: 7/19/06

The commercial fishery for tilefishes in Louisiana waters will close at 12:01 a.m. on July 22, 2006, and will remain closed until the opening of the spring commercial tilefish season on Jan. 1, 2007. The tilefish assemblage includes tilefish, goldface tilefish, blackline tilefish, anchor tilefish and blueline tilefish.

The decision was made by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries following notification by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that the federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico is closed for the commercial harvest of tilefishes from 12:01 a.m. July 22 until 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1, 2007, and per a request from NMFS.

Regulations for the tilefish fishery in the Gulf of Mexico include a commercial quota. Based on reported landings, the NMFS is closing the tilefish commercial fishery in federal waters off Louisiana, and requested that LDWF enact compatible rules. NMFS requested consistent regulations for Louisiana waters to enhance effectiveness and enforceability of regulations.

After the closure, all commercial harvest, possession, purchase, barter, trade, sale or attempts to purchase, barter, trade or sell tilefishes is prohibited until 12:01 a.m., Jan. 1, 2006, the date set for the opening of the 2006 season. The prohibition on sale/purchase of tilefishes during the closure does not apply to those that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to the effective date of the closure and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor provided appropriate records in accordance with R.S. 56:306.5 and 56:306.6 are properly maintained.

Back to Main

 


Louisiana Fisheries Louisiana Sea Grant LSU AgCenter