Today, LDWF released the latest red snapper landing estimates through August 2, 2020. LA Creel, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries' near real-time landings data collection program, indicates that 668,197 pounds or 85 percent of Louisiana’s 2020 annual private recreational allocation of 784,332 pounds have been harvested during the first eleven weeks of the red snapper season.
As a reminder, the current recreational red snapper season is closed. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet signed a declaration of emergency to close the recreational red snapper season at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, August 13. For more information on the 2020 red snapper season and detailed landing estimates, visit: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/red-snapper.
LDWF will continue to monitor red snapper landings through the LA Creel survey and consider options if any quota remains. Louisiana’s red snapper allocation is based upon Amendment 50 passed by the Gulf Council that establishes state management of the recreational red snapper fishery and the associated state allocations.
Through LA Creel we continuously monitor harvest and effort related to the recreational red snapper season to maximize opportunities for our anglers while ensuring the long-term health of the stock. If we exceed our allocation, we are required to “payback” those fish in the following fishing year. Additionally, continuing to exceed our allocation without paying back fish will potentially slow the rebuilding of the red snapper stock.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. LDWF receives no state general funding and depends on license sales as a major funding source. Help us protect your hunting and fishing heritage while preserving habitat, wildlife, and aquatic resources by purchasing your license at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive email or text alerts signup here.