NOAA Fisheries has announced the recreational season for the harvest of red snapper in the federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico will open on June 1, 2015.  The bag and possession limit is two fish per person at a 16-inch minimum total length.

Recently, NOAA Fisheries made the decision to split the recreational red snapper quota into two distinct components – private anglers and charter vessels and headboats (for-hire).  Each component has its own quota allocations based upon NOAA’s catch target figures. Private anglers will have a 10-day federal season running through June 10 closing at midnight, and charter vessels/headboats will have a 45-day federal season, closing on July 15, 2015.

“A 10-day federal season for private anglers is exactly why some states are non-compliant with NOAA’s red snapper regulations”, said Randy Pausina, LDWF Assistant Secretary for Fisheries.

The “Louisiana-only” season

The season for the recreational harvest of red snapper in Louisiana state waters is currently open, will remain open during the federal season and will remain open after the federal season closes.  LDWF continues to monitor real-time red snapper harvest during 2015 through the LA Creel program.  “LA Creel gives our agency the confidence it needs to provide Louisiana private anglers fishing state waters, the proper opportunity to land their share of red snapper,” said Robert Barham, LDWF Secretary. 

Recreational Offshore Landing Permit

The Department reminds anglers that a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit is required in order to posses certain species, including red snapper.  Anglers may obtain or new the permit, free of charge at https://rolp.wlf.la.gov.

The permit is required for any angler possessing tuna, billfish, swordfish, amberjack, grouper snapper, hind, wahoo, cobia and dolphin, except for anglers under 16 years of age or fishing on a paid-for-hire trip where the captain holds a permit.

Anglers may renew their permits up to 30 days prior to expiration.  A valid Louisiana fishing license number is required to obtain a permit.  A confirmation number is allowed for a temporary (trip) license.

The Louisiana Gulfward Boundary

In June 2012, the Commission took action to extend Louisiana state waters from three miles offshore to three marine leagues, or approximately 9 nautical miles, offshore.

LDWF officials encourage fishermen to use caution and their own personal judgment when fishing beyond the three-mile boundary that is currently recognized as federal waters, as it is fully expected that federal agents will continue to enforce federal law.  Until U.S. Congress confirms Louisiana’s action, the battle will continue over Louisiana’s state water boundary. 

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.louisiana.gov on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF

For press inquiries, contact Rene LeBreton at rlebreton@wlf.la.gov or (504) 286-8745.