Louisiana Menhaden Fishery Bycatch Study

Bycatch Study Released: Starting the Conversation on How Much is Too Much and Confirmation that Buffer Zones are Essential

The LGL Ecological Research Associates presented a comprehensive menhaden bycatch study at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Commission meeting. This critical research, initiated with the support of former Senator Brett Allain, offers essential insight into the bycatch impacts of the pogie industry. We extend our sincere gratitude to Senator Allain, the Legislature, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for making this study possible.

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. 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.

Yet the study also exposes alarming realities that demand immediate attention:

- While the percentage of redfish mortality may appear small in isolation, over 22,000 mature redfish—our most productive breeding stock—are killed annually by an industry that faces no restrictions, even as anglers are prohibited from keeping any.

- More than 240,000 speckled trout, primarily in the critical Age 1 to Age 2 range, are destroyed each year. This is the exact age group that triggered recent limit reductions for recreational anglers.

- The menhaden industry kills over 80 million croaker and over 24 million sand trout annually—species that serve as the foundation of our marine ecosystem.

- An additional 45 species were documented in the bycatch totals, revealing the true scope of this industrial-scale reward.

- Most tellingly, bycatch of important gamefish like redfish and speckled trout increases as water depth decreases, providing undeniable scientific evidence for why current buffer zones remain essential.

This data overwhelmingly supports CCA Louisiana’s long-standing position: buffer zones across the entire coast are critical and improving industry practices are vital next steps. We challenge everyone—stakeholders, legislators, and the public—to confront this fundamental question: How much is too much?

The pogie industry harvests over 3 billion pounds of fish annually and operates under a 5% bycatch allowance. Where is the science justifying the removal of 5% of this massive volume? Who made this determination, and on what basis? Should any industry be permitted to kill this much of the public’s resources without meaningful accountability? How much healthier would our fisheries be if even a fraction of this annual catch remained in our waters?

Is a 3.6% bycatch rate—roughly 36 million pounds—acceptable when operating at this industrial scale? What are the long-term consequences of removing 80 million croakers from our ecosystem every single year? Imagine if 240,000 Age 1 and Age 2 speckled trout were still on our beaches? Should just over 30 vessels be allowed to take so much volume when anglers are having their creel limits reduced?  Many of those 30-vessels leave Mississippi, catch fish in Louisiana waters, then depart for Mississippi to process these Louisiana-caught fish.

Moving Forward

CCA will remain vigilant in our pursuit to shine light on this industry. This has been a collective effort to increase accountability to this industry. Extensive additional evaluation of this report will continue in the coming months. Critical areas demanding additional investigation include exclusion cages on suction hoses, deeper analysis of species-specific bycatch variations by depth, and comprehensive studies of seasonal bycatch patterns.

About CCA Louisiana

In its 42nd year, CCA Louisiana is the largest marine resource conservation group of its kind in the state. With more than 30,000 members and volunteers in 30 local chapters, CCA has been active in state, national and international fisheries management issues since 1977. Visit www.CCALouisiana.com for more information.

Original Content: CCA Louisiana

Check out more info about the Louisiana 2026 Red Snapper Season dates and Book your next New Orleans Snapper Fishing Charter.