Louisiana lawmakers could take major action Monday on a group of bills tied to the controversial menhaden fishing industry. Coastal Conservation Association Louisiana says the proposed legislation would increase oversight, improve tracking, and require more transparency from commercial fishing operations.
CCA Louisiana’s Rad Trascher discussed the issue during a radio interview Friday morning. He said the organization supports three bills now heading to the Louisiana Senate: HB 757, HB 872, and HB 886. The bills already passed through the House with overwhelming support.
What Is Menhaden Fishing?
Menhaden are small bait fish used to make fish oil and fish meal products. The industry supplies ingredients for supplements, aquaculture feed, and other products worldwide.
Conservation groups argue Louisiana allows large-scale harvesting too close to the coast. According to Trascher, two companies operating in Louisiana waters harvest more natural resources than all other commercial fisheries in the state combined.
CCA Louisiana believes the scale of the operation harms the coastal ecosystem and increases bycatch involving sport fish. The organization also says Louisiana lacks enough data transparency to properly manage the fishery.
What the Proposed Bills Would Do
The legislation would require AIS tracking systems on fishing vessels, increase penalties for crossing fishing boundaries, and expand reporting requirements tied to catch data.
Trascher said lawmakers became frustrated after the industry requested changes to fishing buffer zones while claiming financial hardship. He later pointed to reports showing one of the industry’s most profitable seasons in years.
Supporters of the bills say the measures would create accountability without shutting down the industry entirely. Senate debate is expected Monday at the Louisiana State Capitol.