House Bill No. by Representative Kerner amends R.S. 56:499.4 to create an exception to the current prohibition on night shrimping in certain inside waters of Louisiana. Under existing law, shrimping is not allowed from one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise in specified areas, including Vermilion Bay, East and West Cote Blanche Bays, and Atchafalaya Bay. The bill introduces a provision that permits licensed commercial shrimp harvesters to begin trawling in Vermilion Bay, East Cote Blanche Bay, and West Cote Blanche Bay at 5:30 a.m. during any open shrimp season, even if this time is more than 30 minutes before sunrise.

The proposed law aims to provide greater flexibility for commercial shrimpers by allowing them to start their activities earlier in the morning, thereby potentially increasing their catch and supporting the local seafood industry. This change reflects an effort to balance the needs of commercial fishing with existing regulations designed to protect shrimp populations and ensure sustainable harvesting practices.

Statutes affected:
HB721 Original: