LWFC Adopts Notice of Intent to Create Passive Gear Marking Regulations

On May 5, the Louisiana Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to create a rule on marking nets and traps in freshwater. The proposed rule mirrors the existing saltwater rule in Title 76 and would apply to gillnets, trammel nets, ring nets, lath traps, and wire nets (passive gear) used in freshwater. The intent of this rule is to provide liability for users’ equipment and have freshwater labeling requirements similar to neighboring states that share border waters, such as the Mississippi River.

In the proposed rule, both freshwater and saltwater passive gear must be marked with waterproof ink/paint on the buoy (if the gear has a buoy) or have a waterproof tag attached; markings will include the user’s full name as well as the user’s recreational/commercial license number. Gill and trammel nets must have buoys >6” long in international orange affixed to each end of the net. Buoys can also act as team tags.

To view the full notice of intent or submit written comments related to the proposed rule, contact Robby Maxwell, Inland Fisheries Section, 1213 N. Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles, LA 70601, or by email: rmaxwell@wlf . la.gov by July 5, 2022. After the public comment period, Legislative Oversight Committees will have a 30-day period to review the amended rule and a summary of public comments provided by LDWF. If this rule is finalized, the amended regulations will take effect in the fall of 2022.