It’s no secret that Louisiana boasts a large number of recreational anglers who are both avid sportsmen and devoted conservationists, but what many don’t know is that youth across the Gulf Coast are also getting involved in fisheries conservation projects.
One such project is the Louisiana Cooperative Marine Fish Tagging Program, implemented by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in conjunction with the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana. The program focuses on tagging redfish, speckled trout, red snapper and yellowfin tuna, and provides interested volunteer anglers with free, saltwater fish tagging kits. If a fish is later reported as a recapture, a report is sent to the volunteer tagger to inform them on the distance traveled and how much the fish grew. Several of these dedicated “citizen scientists” tag well over 100 fish per year.
Volunteer fish taggers are getting their entire families in on the action, and many kids have been introduced to the experience of tag and release fishing. Our youth are the next generation of anglers, and it is extremely important to introduce them not only to the sport of fishing, but also to the importance of conserving our fisheries for future generations.
This year, LDWF is hosting several Family Fish Fest events to increase youth and family involvement in fishing and fisheries conservation. Each event will include fishing opportunities, with live redfish and speckled trout tagging at all saltwater locations. The public is invited to bring out their entire family for an exciting day of fishing, hands-on activities, educational exhibits and great prize giveaways courtesy of Pure Fishing and CCA Louisiana.
Be sure to mark your calendars for:
May 17, Forsythe Point Recreation Area, Monroe, La. (in conjunction with the Ronald McDonald House Bass Tournament)
May 24, Campo’s Marina, Shell Beach, La.
June 7, Myrtle Grove Marina , Port Sulphur, La.
June 28, Quintana Landing, Cypremort Point, La. (in conjunction with CCA-LA’s Specks and Spots Tournament)
July 12, Elmer’s Island, Grand Isle, La.
September 27, Waddill Outdoor Education Center, Baton Rouge, La. (in conjunction with National Hunting and Fishing Day Festival)
Additional details will be provided closer to event dates. Entry fees may be required at some events.