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New Louisiana Study Reveals Significant Bycatch in Commercial Menhaden Fishery
A comprehensive study examining the commercial menhaden fishery off Louisiana’s coast has revealed substantial impacts on recreational fish species, with researchers estimating that approximately 22,000 breeding-size redfish were killed as bycatch during the 2024 fishing season.
The study, conducted by LGL Ecological Research Associates and presented to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission in July, represents the most thorough examination to date of the industrial menhaden fishery’s effects on non-target species. Funded by the Louisiana Legislature through a $1 million allocation from the Artificial Reef Fund, the research was administered by the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission.
Staggering Bycatch Numbers
Beyond the 22,000 mature redfish, the study documented the deaths of millions of other fish species important to recreational anglers and the marine ecosystem. Researchers estimated that 81 million Atlantic croaker and 25 million sand seatrout, known locally as “white trout,” were killed and retained by menhaden vessels. An additional 8,000 smaller redfish also perished as bycatch.
The study observed 45 different species caught in menhaden nets, including black drum, spotted seatrout, and cownose rays. The six most abundant species in retained catch were Atlantic croaker, sand seatrout, spot, white shrimp, hardhead catfish, and gafftopsail catfish, accounting for 89% of all retained bycatch.
Research Methodology
Researchers examined 418 net sets out of the 13,144 total sets made during the 2024 season, representing just over 3% of the industry’s operations. They used direct observation and cameras to monitor the entire fishing process, tracking which fish were caught, retained, or released alive.
An angler lands a redfish in Louisiana waters. A new study found that approximately 22,000 breeding-size redfish were killed as bycatch in commercial menhaden nets during 2024The study categorized bycatch into three types: “rollover bycatch” (fish remaining in nets after pumping), “chute bycatch” (fish extracted but separated and released), and “retained bycatch” (fish that end up in the hold). Mortality rates varied dramatically, with approximately 17% of rollover bycatch dying, 98% of chute bycatch perishing, and 100% mortality for retained bycatch.
Impact on Recreational Fishing
The findings are particularly significant given Louisiana’s struggling redfish population. In June 2024, the state implemented new restrictions prohibiting the harvest of bull redfish over 27 inches and reducing daily limits from five to four fish. Recreational fishing contributes $3.7 billion annually to Louisiana’s economy, with redfish being the state’s only saltwater gamefish and one of its most targeted species.
“This very thorough examination of the pogy industry is the best science gathered to date on the effects of extensive industrial fishing,” said Chris Macaluso of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. The results are especially concerning given ongoing efforts to rebuild redfish populations through recreational harvest restrictions.
The industrial menhaden fleet operates off Venice, Louisiana, harvesting the small forage fish for reduction into fishmeal and oil
Industry Response and Broader Context
While the total bycatch remained below the 5% threshold established in state law at approximately 3.6% by weight, conservation groups argue the numbers represent a significant impact on already stressed fish populations. The menhaden industry maintains that recreational fishing accounts for 96.6% of red drum removals compared to their 3.4% contribution.
However, critics note that the 22,000 breeding-size redfish killed exceed current slot limits and have outsized impacts on population recovery. The study will now enable wildlife officials to better model bycatch mortality in future stock assessments for all affected species.
An overview of the bycatch study findings can be viewed here. More information about the ecological and recreational importance of Gulf menhaden is available on TRCP’s Forage Fish Recovery Page.
The post New Louisiana Study Reveals Significant Bycatch in Commercial Menhaden Fishery appeared first on OutdoorHub.
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New Louisiana Study Reveals Significant Bycatch in Commercial Menhaden Fishery
A comprehensive study examining the commercial menhaden fishery off Louisiana’s coast has revealed substantial impacts on recreational fish species, with researchers estimating that approximately 22,000 breeding-size redfish were killed as bycatch during the 2024 fishing season.
The study, conducted by LGL Ecological Research Associates and presented to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission in July, represents the most thorough examination to date of the industrial menhaden fishery’s effects on non-target species. Funded by the Louisiana Legislature through a $1 million allocation from the Artificial Reef Fund, the research was administered by the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission.
Staggering Bycatch Numbers
Beyond the 22,000 mature redfish, the study documented the deaths of millions of other fish species important to recreational anglers and the marine ecosystem. Researchers estimated that 81 million Atlantic croaker and 25 million sand seatrout, known locally as “white trout,” were killed and retained by menhaden vessels. An additional 8,000 smaller redfish also perished as bycatch.
The study observed 45 different species caught in menhaden nets, including black drum, spotted seatrout, and cownose rays. The six most abundant species in retained catch were Atlantic croaker, sand seatrout, spot, white shrimp, hardhead catfish, and gafftopsail catfish, accounting for 89% of all retained bycatch.
Research Methodology
Researchers examined 418 net sets out of the 13,144 total sets made during the 2024 season, representing just over 3% of the industry’s operations. They used direct observation and cameras to monitor the entire fishing process, tracking which fish were caught, retained, or released alive.
An angler lands a redfish in Louisiana waters. A new study found that approximately 22,000 breeding-size redfish were killed as bycatch in commercial menhaden nets during 2024The study categorized bycatch into three types: “rollover bycatch” (fish remaining in nets after pumping), “chute bycatch” (fish extracted but separated and released), and “retained bycatch” (fish that end up in the hold). Mortality rates varied dramatically, with approximately 17% of rollover bycatch dying, 98% of chute bycatch perishing, and 100% mortality for retained bycatch.
Impact on Recreational Fishing
The findings are particularly significant given Louisiana’s struggling redfish population. In June 2024, the state implemented new restrictions prohibiting the harvest of bull redfish over 27 inches and reducing daily limits from five to four fish. Recreational fishing contributes $3.7 billion annually to Louisiana’s economy, with redfish being the state’s only saltwater gamefish and one of its most targeted species.
“This very thorough examination of the pogy industry is the best science gathered to date on the effects of extensive industrial fishing,” said Chris Macaluso of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. The results are especially concerning given ongoing efforts to rebuild redfish populations through recreational harvest restrictions.
The industrial menhaden fleet operates off Venice, Louisiana, harvesting the small forage fish for reduction into fishmeal and oil
Industry Response and Broader Context
While the total bycatch remained below the 5% threshold established in state law at approximately 3.6% by weight, conservation groups argue the numbers represent a significant impact on already stressed fish populations. The menhaden industry maintains that recreational fishing accounts for 96.6% of red drum removals compared to their 3.4% contribution.
However, critics note that the 22,000 breeding-size redfish killed exceed current slot limits and have outsized impacts on population recovery. The study will now enable wildlife officials to better model bycatch mortality in future stock assessments for all affected species.
An overview of the bycatch study findings can be viewed here. More information about the ecological and recreational importance of Gulf menhaden is available on TRCP’s Forage Fish Recovery Page.
The post New Louisiana Study Reveals Significant Bycatch in Commercial Menhaden Fishery appeared first on OutdoorHub.
Continue reading...