On Thursday, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission passed a motion to amend an original Notice of Intent (NOI) to expand the exclusion zone for commercial menhaden harvest. But it was not the buffer zone that many conservationists had hoped for.
In October, the LWFC passed an NOI extending the current zone of 1/4 mile outward to 1 mile, and extending a few areas out to 3 miles. After a minimum 90 day comment period, the LWFC was expected to give a final vote at their February 1st meeting. However, after spirited comments from a room full of both those in support and against the NOI, the Commission decided to table the vote so that “stakeholders could meet and come up with a compromise”.
On Thursday, the compromise was announced as reducing the buffer from the proposed one mile to 1/2 mile, and eliminating the proposed 3-mile buffer for Holly and Rutherford beaches. It was evident that the Commission was relieved about not having to make a tough decision as they were ready to vote five minutes into the meeting… before the required comment period!
Most on both sides praised the amended proposal. But not the FFI Gulf Coast Council. We supported a one-mile buffer and still do. Sadly, our voice is small compared to the larger conservation groups that worked on this “compromise”. We’re still trying to figure out what the commercial menhaden sector gave up in return for the buffer zone reduction.
The NOI now goes to a legislative oversight committee for a simple yea or nay vote, where it’s expected to pass handily. The new regulations would then go into effect in May.
If you’re not a member of Fly Fishers International, and you’re upset that nearshore menhaden harvesting will continue, then you need to join our organization. We’re more than just about promoting fly fishing… but also fighting for the interests of fly anglers – from conservation to outdoors ethics.
