Today, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission took action on a Notice of Intent to modify regulations for the recreational gag grouper season and gag and black grouper minimum size limits. The Commission also took action on a Declaration of Emergency to make those season and size limits effective immediately, allowing anglers to take advantage of the earlier season opening while rules are promulgated.
The recreational season for gag grouper in Louisiana waters will now open on June 1, 2016, and remain open through December 31, 2016. The recreational size limit for both gag and black grouper will increase from 22 to 24 inches total length.
NOAA Fisheries promulgated rules establishing this season extension and recreational size limit increase in federal waters off Louisiana. Today’s action will establish state rules consistent with federal regulations.
To view the full notice of intent, please visit here.
Interested persons may submit comments relative to the proposed rule to Jason Adriance, Fisheries Division, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000 or via email to jadriance@wlf.la.gov prior to August 4, 2016.