The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Artificial Reef Development Program has drafted a plan for future development of inshore and nearshore reefs and is seeking public review and comment.
For years, the program has successfully built reefs in offshore waters via the Rigs to Reef Program. Until now, the program did not have a defined plan for developing reefs other than offshore. This document is intended to supplement the Louisiana Artificial Reef Plan and serve as a guide for further establishment and maintenance of inshore and nearshore artificial reefs.
There are notable differences in developing inshore or nearshore reef versus an offshore artificial reef. Inshore and nearshore areas are typically in areas of high use by numerous user groups, located in relatively shallow water, subject to high energy events and have additional permitting requirements.
The plan is available on the Department’s website at http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/artificialreefcouncilmeeting.
The plan will be presented to the Artificial Reef Council for approval.
Interested persons may submit related comments regarding the proposed plan by Tuesday, February 11, 2014, to Mike McDonough, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Office of Fisheries, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000 or via email at mmcdonough@wlf.la.gov.
LDWF is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.la.gov, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.
For press inquiries, contact Ashley Wethey at awethey@wlf.la.gov or (504) 286-8733.