Protect Our Surf Zone

From Industrial Pogie Fishing

H.B. 1033 Would Limit the Catch Size for Pogie Harvesting We Need Your Support - Click Here!

We Need Your Support to Protect Louisiana’s Sportsman’s Paradise!

CONTACT YOUR SENATOR TODAY

Louisiana has earned the title Sportsman’s Paradise and supports unique, world-renowned opportunities to fish for iconic species such as redfish, yellowfin tuna, speckled trout, tarpon, cobia, red snapper and many others.

Our Sportsman’s Paradise is at risk due to the current mismanagement of industrial menhaden fishing in Louisiana waters and would be improved by enacting HB 1033 which is currently being voted on in the legislature.

The Problem

Currently, industrial menhaden fishing removes more than 1 billion pounds of pogies and millions of pounds of bycatch every year from the Gulf – 70% of that comes from Louisiana state waters. This is a Louisiana problem since all Gulf States have already implemented harvest quotas.

We are long overdue for reasonable regulations. It’s time to support HB-1033! Send a letter now!

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

There are three ways you can help:

Submit a message to the Senate here 👉
Share this page and tell people to support HB 1033 by attending the hearing or writing to show their support
Let your State Senators know that we can keep pogie fishing jobs and protect our coast by having reasonable rules in place. Our state economy, our industries, and our Sportsmen’s Paradise depend on it!

Send your support for HB 1033 now!

How is pogie fishing currently regulated off Louisiana waters?

There are no restrictions to harvesting within proximity to beaches and some bays and very limited regulations in federal waters. There are no catch limits for pogies in Louisiana waters,

How many jobs are at risk?

Creating a one-mile buffer to protect beaches and important sportfish will not limit the harvest level for pogie fisherman, so there are no industrial fishing jobs at risk from creating

Why is Louisiana the only state without a buffer zone?

Louisiana is the only coastal state that allows industrial pogie fishing right up against its beaches. Here in Louisiana, two companies take about 1 billion pounds of pogies – about

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POGIE NEWS AND RESOURCES

Louisiana Conservation Groups Disappointed Following the Rejection of the Buffer Zone to Protect Louisiana’s Coast, Vow to Continue Fighting

Baton Rouge, LA – Following this week’s impasse in the Louisiana legislature to create a meaningful buffer zone to protect Louisiana’s coast by adopting H.B. 535, local conservation chapters expressed

Audubon Louisiana Weighs In: Pogie fishing within our surf zone is bad for seabirds

H.B. 535 is not just about protecting sportfish. Pogie fishing within Louisiana’s surf zone impacts Louisiana’s seabirds like the brown pelican, black skimmers, and bald eagles. Brent Newman with Audubon

H.B. 535 by Rep. Orgeron Passes Louisiana House

Today, the Louisiana House of Representatives passed H.B. 535 by Rep. Orgeron by a vote of 68 to 29. Today’s action is a historic step forward to protect our surf

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Industrial pogie fishing depletes our coastal fish and wildlife, negatively affecting the local ecosystem, and threatening Louisiana tourism. Do you have photos or videos? Do you have a story to tell? We need your help to support a buffer for our surf zone!