Hot Topic: Spotted Seatrout

What is the status of spotted seatrout?

The most recent stock assessment of spotted seatrout completed in 2021 shows that Louisiana’s spotted seatrout stock has been overfished since 2016. The definition of overfished is based on the history of the size of the stock as analyzed in the assessment (1982-2020). The overfished limit is set at the lowest level of spawning stock biomass (weight of mature females) in the history of the assessment.

The stock assessment incorporates data from LA Creel, LDWF's recreational landings data collection program implemented in 2014. LA Creel provides improved data that allows fishery biologists to more accurately assess the status of the stock due to the precise, basin-level data. The stock assessment still uses MRIP recreational landing data for years prior to 2014 to provide long-term harvest estimates; these data have been calibrated to LA Creel data to make the harvest estimates compatible. Combining these data with data from field sampling (1986-present) and biological sampling of harvested fish (2002-present) shows that fishing rates were too high (overfishing) in 6 of the past 10 years and that spawning stock biomass has been declining since 2009 and is currently at the lowest level observed since LDWF has been assessing the stock. Data also indicate that the proportion of females age 3 and older has been declining since about 2012 and is at the lowest level observed in the assessment history; losing diversity in age in the population decreases the population’s resilience. Despite the recent decrease in recreational spotted seatrout landings, fishing effort continues to rise.

How do we rebuild the stock?

When overfishing occurs or a stock becomes overfished, LDWF fishery biologists recommend measures to the Commission on how much change in harvest is needed to bring fishing rates and/or the population back to target levels. In September 2019 and November 2021, LDWF presented the latest stock assessments to the Commission. At the January 2020 and November 2021 meetings, LDWF fishery biologists presented several management scenarios along with LDWF’s goal for stock recovery. The scenarios presented to recover the stock included:

• Creel limit only
• Size limit only (including slot limits)
• Combinations of creel and size limits.

Alternatives such as fishery closures and supplemental options like special regulations following significant freeze events were also discussed.

Each scenario shows specific reductions of harvest at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30%. However, stock recovery times based on spawning stock biomass will vary by each scenario, and not all scenarios presented will achieve the stock recovery goal. LDWF’s goal is to recover the stock by 2027 through a reduction in harvest of at least 20%.

Based on this information, the Commission will decide which management actions they would like to take to rebuild the stock.

What happens if a regulation change is proposed?

Based on the Commission’s review of the assessment and updated biological data, management options, and public input, LDWF will provide a draft of the proposed regulation changes to the Commission as a Notice of Intent (NOI). The NOI will be presented to the Commission at their regular monthly meeting. The Commission will take public input on the NOI during this meeting. The Commission then votes whether to approve the NOI as is or with modifications based on discussion and public input, or to take no action.

Once the NOI is approved, public comment will be accepted for approximately 40-45 days. LDWF will publish a press release to inform Louisiana citizens when the public comment period has opened. LDWF will also hold additional public meetings across Louisiana during the public comment period.

After the public comment period has closed, the NOI and public comments are transmitted to and reviewed by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment as part of the Legislative Oversight process. During the Legislative Oversight process, these committees have 30 days to consider a hearing. After this process is complete, the NOI will go back to the Commission for their consideration as a Final Rule. The Final Rule becomes effective when it is published in the Louisiana Register.

The full process can take 90 to 120 days, or more. Any legislative hearings or changes to the rule will extend the timeline for publication of the final rule.