Today, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission considered a Notice of Intent (NOI) to modify rules and regulations for approved Domestic Aquatic Organisms to include Sterlet sturgeon.

An application for consideration was submitted to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to add Sterlet sturgeon to the list of approved species for aquaculture purposes including processing for meat and caviar. 

The LWF Commission opted to allow a public comment period prior to their final ruling. 

The department heavily monitors this process to limit the impacts from non-native aquatic organisms into aquaculture.  Species are considered for approval by evaluating their potential negative risks to native species, their habitats, and human health.

Permit restrictions and the full notice of intent are available here: 

http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/document/41405-noi-dao-sterlet-sturgeon-mark/noi_-_dao_-_sterlet_sturgeon_mark-up.pdf

Interested persons may submit comments relative to the proposed rule to Robert Bourgeois, LDWF Permit Manager, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898 or via email to rbourgeois@wlf.la.gov prior to September 29, 2017.

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 email alerts, signup at http://www.wlf.la.gov/signup.