The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Louisiana is sounding the alarm on the impact of bycatch from commercial menhaden fishing on the state’s Gulf Coast. A comprehensive menhaden bycatch study funded by Louisiana and released in July found that more than 22,000 mature, breeding-sized redfish were scooped up and killed by purse seine nets during the 2024 commercial season for menhaden. Additionally, 8,000 smaller red drum and millions of other individuals of non-target species were killed as bycatch.
In a press release, CCA Louisiana called for buffer zones to protect non-target species as well as implementation of new standardized practices to reduce bycatch mortality for important gamefish. A coast-wide shallow-water buffer zone from menhaden harvest would protect gamefish because bycatch of inshore gamefish like speckled trout and redfish decreases as the depth of water increases.
“The findings confirm what recreational anglers across the state have long suspected. The study validates that bycatch rates for gamefish increase dramatically in shallower, nearshore waters,” reads the release. “It also demonstrates that implementing standardized practices could help reduce the bycatch of important game species like redfish—specifically by removing these fish from nets immediately, before they are drawn into the suction hose.”
Lousiana Redfish in Decline
Redfish are a hot topic in Louisiana, which is home to arguably the best redfish fishing in the world. The fishery, however, is in decline because of a host of reasons, including continual loss of marsh habitat. In 2024, in response to the decline, the state’s recreational limit was cut to four fish per person, daily, with an 18- to 27-inch slot limit. Harvest of fish longer than 27 inches was banned to protect the breeding stock. The 22,000 breeders killed during the study were above that slot limit.
Read more at sportfishingmag.com.
