NOAA Fisheries has informed the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries that the annual catch target of 1,840,000 pounds gutted weight is projected to be met by August 30, 2022 and that the season will be closed.  This closure is necessary to prevent overfishing of the red grouper stock.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet was authorized by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission in previously promulgated rules (LAC 76.VII.335.G.5) to change or modify the opening and closing dates for any recreational reef fish season in Louisiana waters when notified of a modification to a season by NOAA Fisheries.

For more information, contact Jason Adriance at (504) 284-2032 or jadriance@wlf.la.gov.