Senate Bill No. 480, introduced by Senator Allain, amends existing regulations regarding the use of butterfly and bottom nets in Oyster Bayou. The bill enacts R.S. 56:499.3(D), which allows boats to anchor in specified waters as long as they are not within the boundaries of an oyster lease and at least one person remains aboard the vessel while it is anchored. This provision modifies the current law that only permits the use of these nets when the boat is motor-propelled and underway, prohibiting any anchorage or connection to the shoreline.

The proposed law retains the existing regulations while adding the new anchorage allowance, thereby providing more flexibility for fishermen using butterfly and bottom nets in Oyster Bayou. Additionally, the Senate Committee on Natural Resources made technical amendments to clarify the language of the bill. Overall, this legislation aims to balance fishing practices with the protection of oyster leases in the area.

Statutes affected:
SB480 Original: