MENHADEN INDUSTRY ISSUES HEAD TO THE LEGISLATURE.
Since our last update, Louisiana’s recreational fishing community has continued to fight — and fight hard — to protect the half-mile menhaden buffer zones that keep industrial purse seine operations out of our shallowest coastal waters. The public comment period closed with an overwhelming response from anglers, guides, and coastal businesses.
Thousands Spoke — the Commission Voted 4-3 Anyway
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission voted 4-3 in November to advance a Notice of Intent gutting the half-mile buffer zones agreed to just one year earlier — a compromise brokered by the Governor’s office in February 2024 after back-to-back fish kill events left tons of dead redfish and other species rotting on Louisiana beaches. Both sides agreed. The science supported it. Louisiana’s coastal communities counted on it.
The industry — led by Canadian-owned Omega Protein and South African-controlled Daybrook Fisheries — honored that deal for exactly one profitable season before coming back for more.
A Critical Window — and What Happened
Representative Joe Orgeron, Vice-Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, stepped up. On February 11th, Rep. Orgeron formally requested an oversight hearing, pushing for transparency and demanding that all public comments be made available to committee members. Last Friday, on February 20th, CCA Louisiana learned the hearing would not be convened. The House Natural Resources Committee Chairman instead directed the matter toward the legislative process.
In the Chairman’s own words:
“After careful consideration, and with the spring session beginning just days from the proposed date, I believe the most constructive path forward at this time is to address this matter through the legislative process rather than convening an additional oversight hearing. My hope is that this approach will allow us to work together more fully, with the engagement of the entire body, toward meaningful solutions.”
We Accept That Invitation.
Engaging the full legislature means more voices, more accountability, and more opportunity to be heard. The 2026 Regular Legislative Session is now underway, and menhaden management has already emerged as a defining issue. Legislation related to buffer zones and industry accountability was pre-filed ahead of session, and additional bills are expected.
The Science Hasn’t Changed. The Stakes Haven’t Changed. Neither Have We.
Our shallow nearshore waters are not industrial fishing grounds. They are nursery habitat for every fish that swims our coast and the foundation of a $2-3 billion recreational fishing economy that supports thousands of Louisiana jobs and a coastal culture that defines who we are.
“Make no mistake — this issue is not going away,” said CCA Louisiana CEO Rad Trascher. “The industry may have the lobbyists and the campaign contributions, but we have the members, the science, and the truth on our side. We look forward to working with the Legislature to find meaningful solutions that put Louisiana’s coastal fisheries first.”
CCA Louisiana will be at the table at every step — engaging the House and Senate, building our coalition with guides, charter captains, and coastal businesses, and mobilizing our 25,000+ members at the Capitol when the moment demands it.
It is time to contact your legislators and demand real protections for our coastal fisheries — and true accountability measures for an industry that has already broken one deal.
Stay informed at CCALouisiana.com and follow us on Facebook for updates throughout the 2026 legislative session.