The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is moving toward a more accurate method of determining Louisiana’s recreational landings of yellowfin tuna.
The new method requires anglers and charter captains possessing tunas, billfishes, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, and snappers first obtain an Offshore Landing Permit. The permit is available at no cost to the public, and can be obtained through the Department’s website at www.wlf.la.gov/rolp.
Anglers who land yellowfin tuna must report that catch prior to offloading the catch. Reporting can be done through a smartphone application (available for iphones and Androids) or by calling the toll free number 877-792-3440.
Charter captains using tags provided by the department must report landings by the 15th of the month following the month in which the yellowfin tuna was landed. A detailed description of the program and reporting requirements can be found at the department’s website www.wlf.louisiana.gov/rolp or by calling Jason Adriance at (504)-284-2032.
The new method will go into effect January 1, 2013.
