Louisiana DWF extends fall shrimping season

FALL INSHORE SHRIMP SEASON EXTENDED IN PORTION OF ZONE 1

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has extended the fall inshore shrimp season in that portion of Shrimp Management Zone 1 extending north of the south shore of the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet, including Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne until further notice.

The department is also reminding shrimpers that the fall shrimp season in the remainder of Zone 1 and all of Zones 2 and 3 will close Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009 at official sunset except in the open waters of Breton and Chandeleur Sounds as described by the double-rig line (LA R.S.56:495.1.(A)2), which will remain open until 6 a.m., March 31, 2010.

The fall shrimp season opening and closing dates were fixed by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission on Aug. 6. However, the commission has provided LDWF Secretary Robert Barham with authority to change the closing dates of the 2009 Fall Shrimp Season if biological and technical data indicate the need to do so.

Current LDWF trip ticket data has indicated that significant quantities of marketable size shrimp remain in those waters affected by the season extension and this action should provide shrimpers with additional economic opportunities without adverse impacts to the shrimp resource.

Shrimpers are also reminded of the statutory provision which removes the 100 count per pound minimum possession size on white shrimp taken or possessed between Oct. 15 through the third Monday in December of each year. Following Dec. 21, the minimum possession limit of 100 count per pound on white shrimp taken or possessed onboard a vessel will become effective and the minimum count size will be strictly enforced.

EDITORS: For more information, contact Martin Bourgeois at 225-765-2401 or mbourgeois@wlf.la.gov.

2009-375

PEARL RIVER W.M.A. TO CLOSE DUE TO FLOODING

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will close the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area in St. Tammany Parish due to flooding from the Pearl River on Wednesday, Dec. 16.

The Pearl River is expected to exceed 16.5 feet at the Pearl River gauge by Wednesday due to recent heavy rains. When this water level is reached, the Pearl River WMA will be closed to all hunting, except waterfowl hunting south of U.S. Hwy. 90 that is scheduled to open on Dec. 19. All shooting range activities will also be suspended.

When the water level reaches 16.5 feet, the gate at Old U.S. Hwy. 11 will close for safety and to reduce harassment of wildlife stranded along the road. The public is asked to avoid the temptation to sightsee along the roadway as this adds to the already stressful conditions for wildlife.

Hunting may resume when water levels drop below 16.5 feet at the Pearl River gauge, but the gate at Old U.S. Hwy. 11 will remain closed until roads are safe for vehicles.

For information on when the rifle range will reopen call 985-643-3938 or visit www.honeyisland.org. For information about Pearl River WMA, call 225-765-2360 or visit cdavis@wlf.la.gov.

EDITORS: For more information, contact Jimmy Stafford at jstafford@wlf.la.gov or 225-765-2361.

2009-376

GRASSY LAKE W.M.A. ROAD CLOSURE UPDATE

The Murphy's Ditch crossing on the Grassy Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Avoyelles Parish must once again be closed due to damage from recent rains.

The crossing was temporarily opened for vehicle traffic, but recent rains have damaged repairs leading to unsafe conditions. Additional repairs will be conducted once site conditions improve.

Hunters and camp owners will be allowed to utilize all terrain vehicles to access impacted areas until permanent repairs can be implemented.

Grassy Lake WMA visitors and camp owners may check with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Opelousas office for updates by calling 337-948-0255.

EDITORS: For more information, contact Johnathan Bordelon at jbordelon@wlf.la.gov or 318-253-7068.

Media Contact
Adam Einck
News and Media Relations Officer
(aeinck@wlf.louisiana.gov)