Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Approves Online Application Process for Oyster Harvester Permits in Lake Calcasieu
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has passed a motion amending the rules by which Oyster Harvester Permits are issued for Lake Calcasieu. As required by Act 329 of the 2011 Louisiana Legislative Session, anyone seeking to commercially harvest oysters in Lake Calcasieu must have one of 126 special Oyster Harvester Permits issued by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Of the 126 permits available, 63 will be issued exclusively to eligible fishermen who have historically harvested in Lake Calcasieu since January 1, 2001. The remaining 63 permits will be issued to any person who is otherwise eligible.
Permits will be valid for a period of one year beginning October 1, of a given year and ending September 30, of the following year. Applicants are required to hold a current and valid commercial fishing license and oyster harvester license.
Applications for permits will be available exclusively online on the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website (www.wlf.louisiana.gov). Permits will be issued on a first-come-first-serve basis, determined by the order in which completed applications are submitted through the LDWF website. Online submission is the ONLY acceptable method to submit completed applications.
Applications will be available beginning Monday, September 26, 2011, at 9 a.m. Harvesters will be required to reapply on the last Monday of September each year following.
A completed application consists of the following information: applicant's name, physical and mailing address, phone number, commercial license number, oyster harvester license number and personal identification number issued by a state or federal agency (i.e., driver's license or passport).
Media Contact
Laura Wooderson lwooderson@wlf.la.gov or (225)610-2363.
