Calcasieu Lake Destruction

[mcjaredsandwich]

Harvesting oysters isn't the problem. The problem is the method in which oyster fishermen are allowed to harvest. If they'd ban the use of dredges and enforced a tonging only policy, the reefs would not be completely destroyed. Tonging is also more difficult and many fishermen don't seem to want to put in more work to protect the habitat.

[redaddiction]

Originally Posted by mcjaredsandwich

Harvesting oysters isn't the problem. The problem is the method in which oyster fishermen are allowed to harvest. If they'd ban the use of dredges and enforced a tonging only policy, the reefs would not be completely destroyed. Tonging is also more difficult and many fishermen don't seem to want to put in more work to protect the habitat.

I remember in the late 90's when I first started fishing Big Lake. All there were was oyster fishermen with tongs. It was a sight to see. All those skiffs with a couple guys working all day and pilling up oysters in those boats.