For the second consecutive year, Gov. John Bel Edwards joins the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA), and the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana (CCA) in announcing a special red snapper season for wounded and disabled military veterans to help catch the remaining recreational red snapper allotment.
“Like last year, I hope our veterans will have fun and productive days on the water,” said Gov. Edwards. “It’s great to once again have the partnership of LDWF, LDVA, and CCA to make this happen for our veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country.”
Recent LA Creel landing estimates indicate that 49,315 pounds of the 816,439-pound quota are available for harvest. A portion of this remaining quota will be set aside for these veterans.
The fishing opportunity will be through permit only and is limited to state waters out to nine nautical miles from shore.
LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet said, “The Governor, my staff and these great partners are eager to help our wounded veterans in any way we can. Thank you for your service to our country.”
LDVA Secretary Joey Strickland says he appreciates everyone that helped make this fishing opportunity available to veterans again this year. “We know that alternative therapy programs and outdoor activities, like fishing, have proven to be beneficial to both building veterans’ camaraderie and to their healing,” he said.
“CCA and our members are honored to once again participate in this special program aimed at providing fishing opportunities to wounded veterans,” said David Cresson, CEO of CCA Louisiana. “It is a privilege to give back to these heroes who have sacrificed so much for all of us.”
The final catch number estimates are based on the state’s Louisiana Recreational Creel Survey (LA Creel) which uses a combination of data gathered through interviews at public fishing areas and weekly phone and email surveys.
The fishing opportunity will end no later than Dec. 31, or when the remaining red snapper quota is caught.
Anyone wishing to assist or participate in this special opportunity for veterans can contact Collette Foret with the Wounded War Heroes organization via email at info@woundedwarheroes.org . Please include the words “Red Snapper” in the subject line of the email.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive LDWF email alerts, signup at http://www.wlf.la.gov/signup.