The Sport Fish Restoration Program partners federal and state government with the tackle/boating industry to enhance and make fishing and other outdoor activities more accessible. It is a“user pays, user benefits,” cycle that works through an excise tax on fishing tackle and boat fuel. The federal government collects the tax from the manufacturer and then distributes the funds, via the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service back to state government.
Money is divided between the states based on a formula, which includes a state’s license sales and its land and water area. The state of Louisiana receives six to seven million dollars annually from this program, which it uses to improve fishing opportunities throughout the state. There are a variety of programs used to enhance the state’s fisheries and access.
One very important facet of this enhancement is the monitoring of fish populations using modern and specific techniques.
Sampling is an important aspect to conservation and fisheries enhancement. LDWF biologists sample a wide range of species and habitats using nets, electrofishing, diving and more to document the parameters of a species population. This information is used to develop management practices including seasons, bag limits and stocking schedules.
Another important method of learning about fish biology and movements is the Louisiana Cooperative Marine Fish Tagging Program. The tagging program is a collaborative effort between LDWF, Louisiana State University, Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana and other non-profit organizations. They work together to coordinate a large volunteer angler network who tags and collects data on marine sport fish. The information from taggers and the recapture of tagged fish gives valuable insight into fish movements and growth. Satellite tags and telemetry tags are deployed to increase the state’s knowledge of many fish from yellowfin tuna to spotted seatrout.
LDWF doesn’t just study fish, it plays and active role in stocking many public freshwater waterbodies with hatchery raised fingerling bass, catfish and sunfish. Four freshwater hatcheries help resupply public waters to ensure fun and successful to anglers for many generations.
An important feature of the Sport Fish Restoration Program is to maintain and improve angler access to public waters. Aquatic nuisance vegetation, which is often non-native, can clog waterways and boat ramps, leaving them unusable. The department monitors and uses various control methods to minimize exotics while leaving the natural species intact. There is an ongoing battle against the spread and take over of noxious aquatic plants. Another aspect of angler access is to build, remodel and improve boat ramps, fishing piers and shoreline access areas. LDWF often partners with communities to enhance public facilities. They build handicap access and revamp existing structures to facilitate public enjoyment and use.
