Rad Trascher, head of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), sounded the alarm over a staggering environmental issue unfolding in Louisiana’s coastal waters: the annual loss of 150 million fish due to industrial bycatch. The culprit? The menhaden reduction fleet—an industry that, according to Thrasher, operates with minimal regulation and outsized impact.
Trascher revealed that nearly 90% of all menhaden caught in the United States are harvested just off Louisiana’s coast, often within two to three miles of the shoreline. Menhaden, locally known as “pogies,” are small fish used in products ranging from fish oil capsules to pet food and aquaculture feed. While the industry supports local economies in places like Plaquemines Parish and Abbeville, its environmental footprint is massive.
The fleet’s operations, which deploy nets stretching up to 1,300 feet, have led to significant bycatch—unintended capture of species like trout and redfish, which are vital to Louisiana’s recreational fishing community. The proximity of these operations to the shore exacerbates the issue, with bycatch levels rising dramatically in areas popular with anglers.
The interview closed with a reflection on the growing tension between recreational anglers and industrial fleets. “There’s definitely a traffic jam,” Trascher said. “We’re up against a giant industry with deep pockets and powerful lobbying. But we’ve got grassroots strength, and it’s time to use it.”
This story is more than a numbers game. It’s about preserving Louisiana’s coastal heritage, protecting its ecosystems, and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the rich fishing culture that defines the region.