The Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) recently submitted formal comments opposing the current proposal to weaken Louisiana’s nearshore menhaden buffer zones. These buffers were adopted in 2024 after years of public concern over conflicts between large commercial menhaden vessels and recreational anglers, beachgoers, and sensitive coastal habitats. Rolling them back now would undo progress and reopen long-standing conflicts along Louisiana’s coast.
In 2024, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission adopted a compromise regulation establishing a half-mile coastwide buffer for menhaden fishing, along with expanded buffers in high-conflict areas such as Grand Isle and Holly Beach. While LWF supported a stronger one-mile coastwide buffer, we accepted the compromise as a meaningful step forward. Less than eighteen months later, the industry is seeking to reverse that agreement—without presenting new evidence that the buffers are harming the fishery.
LWF’s comments also point to a larger management issue: Louisiana has no total allowable catch (TAC) for menhaden. Without an overall harvest cap, bycatch limits become difficult to evaluate, and cumulative impacts on other fisheries remain unclear. LWF believes buffer zones and a TAC should work together as complementary tools—reducing conflict, improving accountability, and modernizing menhaden management.
Special concern is warranted for sensitive areas such as the Chandeleur Islands and the broader Breton National Wildlife Refuge, which contains some of Louisiana’s last remaining seagrass beds and critical wildlife habitat. LWF supports enhanced buffer protections in these areas and urges regulators to recognize the full refuge footprint, not just individual islands.
Weakening menhaden buffer zones would increase conflicts, complicate enforcement, and undermine confidence in Louisiana’s fisheries management.
LWF urges the Commission to stand by the 2024 compromise, strengthen protections where needed, and pursue a comprehensive, long-term management approach that works for all coastal users—not just one industry.
LWF Comments can be viewed HERE.
Those interested in learning more about LWF’s position on the Menhaden Buffer Zone can read HERE.
Those interested in submitting their own comments can do so by email or in writing. Public comment on the Menhaden Buffer Zone Notice of Intent is open until January 23, 2026.
via e-mail: comments@wlf.la.gov
LWF Commission Members
LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
2000 Quail Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000