Urge Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries Commission to Maintain the Half Mile Buffer for Industrial Menhaden Fishing
Last year, stakeholders in the Gulf agreed upon a half mile buffer for industrial menhaden operations to protect nearshore habitat and reduce lethal bycatch of non-target species. Unfortunately, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is considering action to reduce the one-half mile shoreline buffer in place for the Gulf menhaden fishery down to one-quarter mile in most areas. If approved, this reduction would greenlight a 30% increase in industrial fishing access near the shoreline, threatening sportfish, forage fish, spawning and rearing habitats, and Louisiana’s $3.1 billion recreational fishing industry.
Take action now! Click the link below to urge the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to oppose changes to the existing buffer.
URGE ASMFC to Cut the Atlantic Menhaden Quota by 54%
The 2025 Atlantic Menhaden Stock Assessment revealed that earlier assessments overestimated menhaden abundance by about 37% because of revised natural mortality data. That means for years, menhaden quotas were set too high, impacting ecosystem health and specifically striped bass rebuilding efforts.
A quota no greater than 108,450 metric tons — a 54% reduction from the current 233,550 mt quota — is recommended to stay within the updated ecosystem fishing mortality target. Keeping higher quota levels would jeopardize both menhaden and the predator species that depend on them, especially striped bass.
Make your voice heard – tell ASMFC to reduce the menhaden quota today! Comments are due tomorrow at 5 PM ET.
ASA Joins Sportfishing Organizations in Supporting Bipartisan Rigs to Reefs Legislation
Last week, Representatives Mike Ezell (R-MS-04), Troy Carter, Sr. (D-LA-01), and Marc Veasey (D-TX-33) introduced the Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act. This bipartisan bill promotes environmental conservation and responsible decommissioning of offshore oil and gas platforms in the Gulf. The legislation establishes a clear, efficient pathway for converting retired oil rigs into artificial reefs—preserving marine habitats, supporting the fishing industry, and reducing decommissioning costs.
Click the link below to read the full release from Rep. Ezell’s office.
