Louisiana ponders possible changes to commercial menhaden fishing rules

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Louisiana Finfish Task Force recommends maintaining half-mile buffer for menhaden fishing.

Buffer protects marine habitat, reduces bycatch , and addresses recreational anglers’ concerns.

Wildlife and Fisheries Commission may consider modifications after reviewing historical fishing areas.

Public comment period expected through Jan. 23 before final rule changes.

Another tense showdown could be in the works between recreational fisherman and those who make a living on the waters off the Louisiana coast in the menhaden industry.

Members of Louisiana’s Finfish Task Force, an advisory panel for the state Wildlife and Fisheries Commission and other state agencies, met Thursday and unanimously recommended the state keep in place rules that limit how far commercial menhad