LDWF Works to Restore Native Habitat throughout the Saline-Larto Complex

Baton Rouge, Aug 28, 2026 - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Inland Fisheries staff recently continued efforts to restore beneficial native aquatic vegetation throughout the Saline-Larto Complex by planting coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum).  This native species of submersed aquatic plant provides important habitat for fish and other aquatic wildlife.

On Aug. 19, biologists deployed 10 protective enclosures near Open Bayou, Little Saline Bayou and Shad Lake and transplanted the collected plants inside them. The enclosures protect the newly planted vegetation from being eaten while the plants become established.

Aquatic vegetation provides nursery habitat for young fish, shelter from predators, feeding areas and habitat for aquatic insects and other organisms that support the food chain. It also provides anglers with additional areas to target fish.

LDWF has been working to re-establish native aquatic vegetation in the complex since 2022. While recovery has been gradual, the 2026 vegetation surveys have shown encouraging signs, including the continued presence of American lotus and white-water lily, as well as the discovery of bladderwort in the Shad Lake area.

This coontail planting is another step in a long-term effort to restore and enhance native fish habitat throughout the Saline-Larto Complex. LDWF will continue monitoring the planting sites and conducting annual vegetation surveys to track the recovery of native aquatic plants.

For additional information, contact Shelby Richard at 318.487.5352 or srichard@wlf.la.gov.