LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – Until recently, the Louisiana coast did not have any fishing buffers that allowed pogy boats to fish in shallow waters near the shore and sometimes tear their nets on the seabed.

Last year, Southwest Louisiana also had some spills — some larger than others — that caused concern.

This year, new fishing buffers were added that require pogy boats to fish at least one mile offshore; but in some areas this buffer is three miles. Since then there has been a corresponding 74% reduction in pogy boat leaks.

“Many factors likely contributed to the decline in spills in 2024. But, you know, it’s hard to deny that distance restrictions to shore certainly played a role and helped us see this positive news come out,” said David Cresson, CEO of the Louisiana Coastal Conservation Association. .

In the last decade, pogy boat net ruptures and net abandonment have resulted in the deaths of 14.8 million pogies.

Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) increased the no-hunting zone in February of this year before the start of pogy season in April.

LDWF Marine Biologist Jason Adriance gave us an explanation.

“Based on discussions by the wildlife and fisheries commission that adopted the new buffer regulations, it became clear that their interest was in reducing user group conflicts between the commercial menhaden industry and recreational fishermen,” Adriance said.

Cresson said CCA continues to review how current restrictions are working and whether future regulations are needed.

“There are ongoing studies measuring things like bycatch that this industry is responsible for, and I think the results of those studies will tell us a lot more about whether and when restrictions are needed in the future,” Cresson said.

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