The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will reopen the oyster season in designated portions of the Public Oyster Seed Reservation in Sister Lake to allow harvest for sacking only (larger than 3 inches). Harvest monitoring by LDWF through its daily reporting requirement has indicated oyster resource is still available in Sister Lake. This reopening will allow for continued harvest of the resource available on these reefs. The following dates were set for the reopening of the oyster season:

During the 2023-24 oyster season, the following provisions will be in effect:

The Secretary of the Department was authorized by the Commission to set closure dates and adjust sack limits and/or sacking-only areas based on biological harvest data or if enforcement issues are encountered. The Secretary is also authorized to take emergency action to reopen areas previously closed if the threat to the resource has ended and to open public areas if substantial oyster resources are located.

Public notice of any opening, delay or closing of a season will be provided at least 72 hours prior to such action, unless the Louisiana Department of Health orders such closure for public concerns.

For 2023-2024 oyster season maps, click here.
 
For more information, contact Robert Caballero at rcaballero@wlf.la.gov