Wildlife and Fisheries Commission votes to restrict speck fishing, recover population
With spotted sea trout stock on the decline, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission voted on restrictions to aid its recovery, but will lawmakers approve?
Spotted sea trout, also known as specks, are a highly prized recreational fish that charter captains say is a gem in the crown of the Sportsman's Paradise. The commission passed restrictions Aug. 3 with a majority vote, 4-2, that if lawmakers approve, would set the minimum limit to 13 inches, with a maximum of 20 and an allowance of two over.
The new restrictions will reduce the number of total fish caught, or creel limit, to 15, down from 25, and deckhands and captains also will forgo their fish limit while conducting a for-hire trip.
If it passes, it will be reviewed in 2028.
"I am concerned about the natural resource of trout fishing, I absolutely am," Commission Member Andy Brister said. "It was time to do something, and I'm glad we did. I think across the board people are concerned. It's just, 'What is the best fix?' has been the headache. I feel confident that what we did today is a step in the right direction and will make a difference."
According to Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Jason Adriance, the restrictions are projected to lower the harvest of the fish by 19.1%, which would recover the fish's stock in about six years. The stock has fallen 57% below its mean level.
In February a joint meeting of the Senate and House Natural Resources committees rejected similar restrictions. The previous attempt would have set a minimum limit of 13.5.
The Commission debated creating a zoned approach for harvest restrictions. According to Commission Chair Andrew Blanchard, the two opposing votes to the change, William "Joe" McPherson and Alfred "Al" Sunseri, preferred that approach. Blanchard said that as chair, he could not vote, but he would have preferred that as well.
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"Hopefully we did the right decision for the future generations for the speck industry… only time will tell," he said. "I would have much preferred seeing the zone management instead. But the majority rules, and that's just the American system right there."
The next step for the decision is a period of public comment which will take place in September. From there, lawmakers will decide its fate within 30 days.
This article originally appeared on The Courier: LDWF votes to restrict speck fishing, recover population
