The bill amends the Louisiana Catch and Cook Program to enhance its operation by allowing charter boat captains to provide fish directly to retail food establishments. It authorizes the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to manage and promote the program in collaboration with the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, the Louisiana Charter Boat Association, and the Louisiana Restaurant Association. The program permits retail food establishments to prepare fish and alligator legally taken by licensed charter captains, recreational fishermen, or alligator hunters for consumption by themselves or their parties.

Key changes include the requirement that fish or alligator meat received by retail establishments must be cleaned, filleted, packaged, labeled, and refrigerated according to specific guidelines. Additionally, the labeling must include the date and time the fish or alligator were caught, as well as the full name and address of the licensed charter captain, recreational fisherman, or alligator hunter. The bill also stipulates that any retail food establishment or licensed charter captain wishing to participate in the program must apply for a participation permit, which is free of charge, and can be suspended or revoked for violations of program rules.

Statutes affected:
HB497 Original: 56:317(B)(1)
HB497 Engrossed: 56:317(B)(1)
HB497 Reengrossed: 56:317(B)(1)
HB497 Enrolled: 56:317(B)(1)
HB497 Act : 56:317(B)(1)