Senator Blade Morrish has introduced SB 73, which would restrict gear used during oyster harvesting in Calcasieu Lake (Big Lake) to tonging only. Sen. Morrish’s bill is in response to recent studies that have shown the oyster resource in Big Lake to be in significant decline. In 2010, the number of market-sized oysters in Big Lake decreased by 49% when compared to 2009. The number of total oysters decreased by 33% during the same period. Oyster abundance in the lake is 17% below the 10-year average.
In 2010, oystering in Area 29 (east of the ship channel) was closed by LDWF weeks early due to “significant reductions” in oyster abundance. According to LDWF records, the number of licensed oyster boats working Big Lake has nearly quadrupled in the past six years. Concern over this issue has been expressed by biologists, recreational anglers, and oyster harvesters themselves.
CCA Louisiana is interested in member input on this issue. There is some concern that deterioration of productive oyster beds makes those areas less attractive to the types of finfish commonly sought after by recreational anglers.
Please take a moment to answer the survey below. Thank you.
https://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/survey/take