La. Rev. Stat. § 56:798 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 798
Russell Sage or Marsh Island Refuge
Status: in_force

A.(1) The State Mineral and Energy Board is hereby authorized to lease for exploration, development or production of oil, gas, or other minerals all or any portion of Marsh Island, donated to the state of Louisiana by the Russell Sage Foundation and accepted by the state of Louisiana, under the terms and provision of Act No. 70 of the 1920 Regular Session of the Legislature, as supplemented by Act 136 of the 1958 Regular Session of the Legislature, and of the contract between the state of Louisiana and the Russell Sage Foundation entered into pursuant to said Act, now on file and of record in the office of the secretary of state; such lease or leases to be for such time or times as may be mutually agreed upon between the Russell Sage Foundation and the State Mineral and Energy Board, and under such conditions, rules, and regulations as will, to the satisfaction of the Russell Sage Foundation, afford adequate present and future protection of Marsh Island for the purposes for which it was donated by the Russell Sage Foundation to the state and as will insure a minimum disturbance of wildlife on the island, and upon condition that the state of Louisiana shall pay or cause to be paid to the Russell Sage Foundation in the usual manner one-half of any and all revenues due to the state as royalty, rentals, or otherwise from such use, exploration, and development of such leased lands, except tax revenues, and that the state of Louisiana shall devote the other half of the such revenues so derived, first to maintaining, policing, and improving Marsh Island as a wildlife refuge or reserve, which funds shall be credited to, and form part of the Marsh Island Operating Fund, and any excess thereafter remaining of the state's one-half share of such revenues in the Marsh Island Operating Fund at the conclusion of the fiscal year shall be divided into two equal parts, one of which shall be dedicated, set aside, and placed with the state treasurer in a special fund to be known as the "Russell Sage or Marsh Island Refuge Fund", in order to insure through investment or its principal income, for the future maintenance, policing, and improving of Marsh Island as a wildlife refuge, and the other such part shall be available to be expended by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or its successors for statewide projects for the propagation and protection of wildlife in the state of Louisiana.

(2)(a) In the event that ten million dollars have accumulated and remain in the Russell Sage or Marsh Island Refuge Fund, all interest and income from investments generated by the Russell Sage or Marsh Island Refuge Fund shall be transferred annually to the Marsh Island Operating Fund for the protection of Marsh Island and any excess of such interest and income from investments which remain in the Marsh Island Operating Fund at the end of each fiscal year shall be apportioned as follows: first to provide for an annual adjustment in the limit on accumulated funds in the Russell Sage or Marsh Island Refuge Fund which adjustment shall be an amount equal to the annual percentage change in the United States consumer price index for all urban consumers, as published by the United States Department of Labor, for the preceding calendar year multiplied by the preceding year's limit, and, thereafter the remainder shall also be available to be expended by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or its successors for statewide projects for the propagation and protection of wildlife in this state.

(b) The secretary of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall file with the State Mineral and Energy Board annually, on or before July thirtieth of each year, an accurate and detailed written report, in duplicate, of the expenditures made from the state's one-half share of such revenues. One of the copies of such report shall be delivered by the State Mineral and Energy Board to the Russell Sage Foundation, and the other shall remain on file with the State Mineral and Energy Board, provided that the Russell Sage Foundation shall have the right if it so desires to verify any such report by audit.

(c) Upon the same terms and conditions and subject to the same division and disposition of revenues therefrom the State Mineral and Energy Board is authorized to grant permits to conduct geophysical surveys of all or any portion of Marsh Island.

B.(1) The state treasurer shall invest the principal and the undistributed return on the principal deposited in the Russell Sage or Marsh Island Refuge Fund for the purpose of achieving perpetual financing of the trust fund for the purposes for which the trust fund was created, the income from investments to be added to the trust fund and to become a part thereof for all purposes, except as provided in Paragraph (A)(2) of this Section. Such investments may include, among others authorized by law, investments permitted for the Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund, also known as the Kevin P. Reilly Sr. Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund, as set forth in R.S. 17:3803(B), (D), and (E).

(2) The state treasurer shall also invest the funds for maintaining, policing, and improving Marsh Island as a wildlife refuge or reserve in the Marsh Island Operating Fund for the purpose of earning interest on the Marsh Island Operating Fund, the income from investment to be added to said fund and to become a part thereof for all purposes.

C. The term "statewide projects for the propagation and protection of wildlife" is herein defined as:

(1) Acquisition of wildlife habitat at a price which is equal to or less than the appraised market value, including the purchase of holdings on existing wildlife management areas, as well as adjoining or adjacent lands, or other tracts of such size and location as shall be appropriate for wildlife management;

(2) Habitat management of existing and future wildlife management areas; and

(3) Construction, maintenance, and operation of roads, waterways, buildings and other structures, facilities, and improvements upon existing and future wildlife management areas for the purposes for which they were acquired.

D. The term "wildlife management area" as used herein shall include Marsh Island.

E. Operations necessary for the management, maintenance, and development of conditions suitable for improving Marsh Island as a wildlife refuge and preserve which are potentially revenue producing shall be conducted only in accordance with the Deed of Donation from the Russell Sage Foundation to the state of Louisiana and under such provisions and conditions as will afford adequate present and future protection of Marsh Island for the purposes for which it was donated and as will insure a minimum disturbance of wildlife on the island, and upon conditions that any revenues derived from such operations shall be dedicated, set aside, and placed with the state treasurer in a special fund which is hereby created in the state treasury to be known as the "Russell Sage or Marsh Island Refuge Capital Improvement Fund" which shall be devoted solely to capital improvements to Marsh Island, with a portion of the funds accruing to be held in reserve for unusual nonrecurring events caused by forces of nature or other unusual events. The state treasurer shall invest the principal and interest deposited in said Russell Sage or Marsh Island Capital Improvement Fund for the purpose of achieving perpetual financing of said trust fund for the purposes for which said trust fund was created, the income from investments to be added to said trust fund and become a part thereof for all purposes. The secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall deliver to the Russell Sage Foundation annually, on or before July thirtieth of each year, an accurate and detailed written report of the expenditures made from said trust fund. The Russell Sage Foundation shall have the right if it so desires to verify any such report by audit.

F. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is hereby authorized to employ a qualified accountant for the purposes of compiling the reports reflecting the status of the Marsh Island Operating Fund and special trust funds provided for by this Section, calculating the change in the Russell Sage or Marsh Island Refuge Fund limit, and for such other reporting purposes as may be agreed by the Russell Sage Foundation and the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Added by Acts 1971, No. 62, §2; Amended by Acts 1973, No. 154, §1; Acts 1987, No. 849, §1, eff. July 20, 1987; Acts 1992, No. 885, §1, eff. July 8, 1992; Acts 1999, No. 1041, §1; Acts 2009, No. 196, §9, eff. July 1, 2009; Acts 2020, 1 st Ex. Sess., No. 21, §2, eff. July 1, 2020.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:305.4 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 305.4
Other licenses
Status: in_force

The commercial gear license is required in addition to any other required licenses.

Acts 1986, No. 904, §1.

{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:332.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 332.1
Eel; methods of taking; licensing; marking; violation
Status: in_force

A.(1) Eel may be taken for commercial purposes using eel pots, as that term is defined in R.S. 56:8, or by other legal means.

(2) Possession of a valid commercial fishing license in addition to other applicable commercial licenses authorizes the holder thereof to sell any eel taken.

B. Eel may be taken for recreational purposes using any legal recreational gear as set forth in R.S. 56:320(A). Licenses shall be as required by R.S. 56:302.1(C) for residents and nonresidents respectively.

C.(1) Each eel pot shall be attached by a nonfloating line to a visible float of at least six inches in diameter or one-half gallon volume size and the eel fishermen's license number shall be printed on the float in indelible ink.

(2) Eel pots shall be fished only in areas of the state which are south of the saltwater line as delineated by R.S. 56:322(A) and in saltwater lakes north of said saltwater line, excluding Lake Maurepas, except by permit issued by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 56:571. No eel pot shall be set in navigable channels or entrances to streams.

D. Violation of any provision of this Section constitutes a class two violation.

Acts 1986, No. 114, §1; Acts 1990, No. 497, §1; Acts 1997, No. 203, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:50 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 50
Venue; exception when exact place cannot be determined
Status: in_force

A. Where it is alleged that the exact place of commission of the offense cannot be established, no exception to the venue shall be sustained unless the place of commission of the offense is disclosed and such place would make the court in which the charge was brought an improper venue.

B. If the operator or owner professes ignorance of the jurisdiction, there shall be no change of venue from the place where the proceeding was begun.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:49 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 49
Venue when exact place of vessel cannot be determined
Status: in_force

Where the offense alleged relates to the operation of a vessel and the exact place of commission of the offense cannot be established, in addition to the venue provided in Sections 57 and 58, any court at the home port of the vessel has territorial jurisdiction.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:698 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 698
Disbursement of funds
Status: in_force

A. The funds credited to the special fund as provided in R.S. 56:697 shall be disbursed upon warrants drawn by the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, which warrants shall have attached to them a detailed list of the names of the officers for whose benefit any particular warrant is drawn, together with such other information as the division of administration or the state treasurer may require.

B. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, on the basis of such warrants, shall prepare and sign individual checks representing the amount to be paid out of the special fund created by R.S. 56:697 to each person in accordance with the provisions of this Part. Each such check shall show the legislative appropriation from which payment is made and shall note that it represents additional salary paid by the state under the provisions of this Part. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall deliver the checks to the individual person in whose favor drawn by mail or by such other means as he shall determine.

C. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall include the additional salary paid to individuals in accordance with the provisions of this Part in the calculation and deduction from the pay of such individuals of sums required by state or federal laws to be withheld by an employer, such as federal income tax and social security tax or contribution to a state retirement system. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall be further charged with the responsibility for transmitting the sums so withheld in accordance with the law or laws requiring the withholding.

D. The additional salary paid by the state to state wildlife officers in accordance with the provisions of this Part shall be included in the calculation and computation of the total wages paid to a state wildlife officer in the determination of employer contributions to any retirement system or pension fund of which the individual may be a member as well as in the determination of retirement eligibility and benefits which may accrue to the individual under any retirement system or pension fund, as well as in the determination of any other employee benefits, sick leave, or disability pay to which the individual might be entitled.

Added by Acts 1975, No. 314, §1, eff. July 17, 1975. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1.

{{NOTE: CONTINGENT REPEAL - SEE NOTE FOLLOWING §695.}}
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:434 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 434
Oyster seed grounds; designation and setting aside; rules and regulations concerning taking of seed oysters; areas recognized as oyster seed reservations; protection of oyster seed reservations
Status: in_force

A. The commission shall at its discretion from time to time designate and set aside such area from the water bottoms of the state as it judges best adapted to the planting, propagation, growth, and policing of seed oysters. The area constitutes oyster seed grounds. Each unit thereof shall, as nearly as practicable, be so located as to facilitate its efficient policing, and be readily identifiable by reference to geographical features or local landmarks or department surveys, and shall embrace at least a recognizable portion of any body or arm of water, or definite part thereof, in which it is established.

B. Upon or following the designation or location of any oyster seed ground, the department may negotiate for and acquire existing oyster leases required to be abandoned or surrendered which are found within the limits of the designated area. The department shall compensate the leaseholder for oysters, seed oysters, shells, and other improvements found on the private leases required to be abandoned or surrendered, out of funds appropriated by the legislature. Such compensation shall be determined by an independent marine surveyor appointed by the department with the concurrence of the leaseholder, at the current-day value of the improvements on the grounds affected.

C. All seed oysters produced on oyster seed grounds or reservations established under this Subpart shall be had and held for the use and benefit of the oyster industry. The commission shall establish rules and regulations concerning the time, quantity, and method of taking by which these seed oysters shall be made available to the public. These rules and regulations shall be formulated as necessary and shall be adequate to the proper maintenance and preservation of the areas as a perpetual source of seed supply for the oyster industry. Unless otherwise opened by the commission all oyster seed grounds and reservations are closed.

D. The secretary may require persons taking, or attempting to take oysters, oyster seed, or cultch from any state owned public oyster seed ground or public oyster seed reservation to obtain a permit from the department and possess said permit when on the public oyster seed grounds or public oyster seed reservations.

E. The water bottoms located in Sister (Caillou) Lake and Bay Junop in Terrebonne Parish, Hackberry Bay (Bay Duchene) in Lafourche and Jefferson Parishes, and Bay Gardene in Plaquemines Parish are designated as oyster seed reservations, and shall be managed by the department for the best interests of the oyster industry.

F. The department shall establish and maintain an adequate and vigilant watch and control over the areas designated as oyster seed grounds and oyster seed reservations, and shall see that all oysters, seed oysters, oyster cultch, or other material improvements found or placed thereon are efficiently protected from trespass, theft, or injury.

G. During that portion of the oyster season set aside for the taking of seed oysters only, additional restrictions shall apply to harvest of seed oysters from the public seed grounds as follows:

(1) No oyster harvester who is actively harvesting oysters in the public seed grounds shall have on board his vessel any sacks or containers which may be used to hold oysters for transport to market.

(2) All oysters on board a vessel actively harvesting oysters in the public seed grounds shall be presumed to have been harvested from the public seed grounds.

(3) No harvester shall sell, or transport with his vessel, oysters intended for market sales on the same day that he harvested seed oysters from the public seed grounds.

H. A violation of the provisions of this Section shall constitute a class two violation.

Acts 1981, No. 925, §1; Acts 1987, No. 544, §1; Acts 1987, No. 924, §1; Acts 1989, No. 248, §1, eff. June 26, 1989; Acts 1991, No. 496, §1; Acts 2010, No. 270, §1.

NOTE: Act 265 of 2010 provides for the relocation of certain leases which are located within a public seed ground. Provides Act is void on Jan. 1, 2013.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:414 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 414
Penalties
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided herein, violation of any provision of this Subpart constitutes a class two violation.

Added by Acts 1964, No. 245, §1. Amended by Acts 1966, No. 242, §1; Acts 1974, No. 223, §3; Acts 1981, No. 837, §3; Acts 1992, No. 528, §1, eff. June 29, 1992.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:326.4 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 326.4
Staggered and split seasons and quotas
Status: in_force

A. The legislature finds that Louisiana has a national reputation for serving unique and high quality seafood dishes, and that the availability of fresh popular fish to serve in Louisiana restaurants is important to the vitality of our culture and economy. Further, the legislature finds that it is in the best interest of the state that the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission be authorized to set seasons and quotas for fishing in such a manner as to maximize the availability of popular fish for serving in Louisiana restaurants.

B. Except as otherwise provided by law, the commission, when setting seasons and quotas for taking fish, shall determine which fish are considered to be popular fish for serving in Louisiana restaurants and may split, stagger, or otherwise arrange their seasons and quotas in such a manner that some of the popular fish would be harvested and available to Louisiana restaurants throughout the entire year. The provisions of this Subsection shall not apply to the harvesting of spotted sea trout.

C. The commission shall provide a forum for interested parties to provide input to determine which fish are popular fish to serve in Louisiana restaurants.

Acts 1990, No. 492, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:695 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 695
Purpose
Status: in_force

This law is enacted by the legislature pursuant to Article X, Section 10(A)(1) of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974 in the exercise of the police power of the state, to promote the public peace and safety by providing better enforcement of the law.

Added by Acts 1975, No. 314, §1, eff. July 17, 1975.

{{NOTE: ACTS 1989, NO. 337, §3 PROVIDES "THIS ACT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE IF AND WHEN THE BASE SALARY OF EACH PERSON ENTITLED TO A SUPPLEMENT PURSUANT TO SUBPART D OF PART III OF CHAPTER 6 OF TITLE 40 AND PART XII OF CHAPTER 1 OF TITLE 56 OF THE LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTES OF 1950 IS INCREASED BY AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE SUPPLEMENT TO WHICH THE PERSON IS ENTITLED ON THE DATE THAT THIS ACT BECOMES LAW."}}
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1842 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1842
Definitions
Status: in_force

Unless otherwise indicated herein, the terms used in this Part shall mean the following:

(1) "System" means the Louisiana Natural and Scenic Rivers System.

(2) "Administrator" means the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

(3) "Natural and scenic river" means a river, stream, or bayou or segment thereof that has been designated as part of the Louisiana Natural and Scenic Rivers System in accordance with the provisions of this Part and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

(4) "Scenic servitude" means a contract between the adjacent riparian landowner and the system administrator which shall be in the nature of a development agreement for the purpose of preserving the natural state of the landscape through mutual agreement on the activities which might affect the natural landscape.

(5) "Surface servitude" means a contract between the stream owner and the system administrator which shall relieve the landowner of liabilities and assure the public of access and use of the stream surface.

(6) "Channelization" means the practice of changing a natural stream, or segment thereof, into a man-made ditch or canal with channels of a relatively uniform width and depth usually necessitating the removal of trees and other woody vegetation adjacent to the stream and constructed for the purpose of accelerating runoff.

(7) "Clearing and snagging" means the practice of removing most obstructions, trees, snags, and other impediments that retard the natural stream flow.

(8) "Channel realignment" means the practice by which dredging, ditching, or other means are used to shorten or reroute the natural stream course.

(9) "Historic and scenic river" means a river, stream, or bayou or segment thereof which because of its unique historical status and scenic character requires protection and preservation of its aesthetic, scenic, recreation, fish, wildlife, ecological, archaeological, geological, botanical, and other natural and physical features.

(10) "Reservoir construction" means any permanent dam or impoundment which alters the shoreline of a natural and scenic river.

(11) "River" includes rivers, streams, bayous, and segments thereof and their waters and generally those bodies of water having the characteristics of rivers, streams, and bayous.

(12) "Normal activities" means those activities on lands that do not directly and significantly degrade the ecological integrity of a natural and scenic river.

Added by Acts 1970, No. 398, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:3003 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 3003
Resident and nonresident WMA permits; fees
Status: in_force

A. Basic WMA access permit $20.00/year

B. Five-day WMA access permit $5.00

C. WMA camping permit $7.00/day

Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1950.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1950.1
Purpose
Status: in_force

The purpose of this Part is to include the Louisiana Great River Road in the Louisiana Byways Program. Inclusion of the Louisiana Great River Road in this program will promote and preserve the Mississippi River corridor as a historic, cultural, scenic, and economic resource for the state of Louisiana. The addition to the current Louisiana byway route will incorporate the entire Great River Road from the northern-most point at the Louisiana/Arkansas state line to the southern-most roadway in Venice, Louisiana.

Acts 2003, No. 969, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:116.5 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 116.5
Computer-assisted remote hunting prohibited; penalties
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in computer-assisted remote hunting or provide or operate a facility or provide services that allow others to engage in computer-assisted remote hunting. No person shall take, possess, or assist in the taking of any animal by means of computer-assisted remote hunting, regardless of the location of the animal.

B. For purposes of this Section "computer-assisted remote hunting" means the use of a computer or other device, equipment, or software to remotely control the aiming and discharging of a firearm or weapon that allows a person not physically present at the location of that firearm or other weapon to hunt or shoot an animal.

C. Any person who violates any provision of this Section is guilty of a class six violation.

Acts 2006, No. 745, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:303.7 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 303.7
Transport and sale of the catch
Status: in_force

A. The holder of a commercial fisherman's license may transport and sell his own catch to any licensed Louisiana wholesale/retail seafood dealer located within the state of Louisiana. The holder of a commercial fisherman's license may transport and sell his own catch to a consumer only within the state and only when in possession of a fresh products license as provided in R.S. 56:303.1.1. However, if he purchases fish for resale or transports his catch out of the state of Louisiana, or if he sells fish to a retail seafood dealer, restaurant, or retail grocer, he becomes a wholesale/retail seafood dealer and must obtain a wholesale/retail seafood dealer's license and is governed by the laws, rules, and regulations concerning wholesale/retail seafood dealers.

B. Whenever the holder of a commercial fisherman's license sells or transfers possession of his own catch to a wholesale/retail seafood dealer, he shall present the license to the dealer for license verification. The commercial fisherman shall provide the wholesale/retail seafood dealer with all information, as determined by the commission to be necessary to properly manage the fishery resources of the state, that is required to complete the commercial receipt form, which shall include but not be limited to the fisherman's first and last name, license number, signature, gear used, vessel used, primary location of where fish were caught, duration of trip, and permit numbers for species requiring a permit to harvest. The commercial fisherman shall sign each commercial receipt form attesting that the information provided therein is correct.

C. A commercial fisherman selling fish under the authority of a fresh product license specified in R.S. 56:303.1.1 shall record all information required on the commercial receipt forms, except that the fresh product license number shall be recorded in place of the wholesaler/retailer seafood dealer's license number. The fresh product licensee shall complete monthly returns to the department as specified in R.S. 56:306.6 for wholesale/retail seafood dealers. The commercial fisherman shall sign each commercial receipt form attesting that the information provided therein is correct.

Acts 1990, No. 441, §1; Acts 1997, No. 1106, §1, eff. July 14, 1997; Acts 1999, No. 1252, §1; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 130, §1.

{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1990, NO. 441, §2.}}
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1933 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1933
Technical advisory board
Status: in_force

A. The project selection board shall be advised by a technical advisory board composed of the following members:

(1) Subject matter representatives from the following:

(a) The office of the governor.

(b) The division of administration.

(c) The office of coastal activities.

(d) The office of state parks.

(e) The Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

(f) The Department of Environmental Quality.

(g) The Department of Conservation and Energy.

(h) The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

(2) Up to three representatives of nonprofit conservation organizations having offices in Louisiana and engaged in conservation efforts in the state may be appointed by the governor, provided that no such representative may participate in the evaluation of applications from their own organization.

B. The technical advisory board shall review and evaluate applications in accordance with the program criteria and scoring and forward assessments to the project selection board.

Acts 2022, No. 714, §2, eff. June 18, 2022; Acts 2023, No. 150, §22, eff. Jan. 10, 2024.

NOTE: Pursuant to R.S. 56:1936, the Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program terminates July 1, 2033.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:326.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 326.2
Vessels landing red drum; notice to department; equipment; inspection
Status: in_force

Any vessel engaged in commercial fishing in the Federal Fishery Conservation Zone and landing red drum in Louisiana shall be equipped with a functioning transponder aboard, shall permit on board inspection of its catch by agents of appropriate federal or state agencies, and shall notify the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries of any catch of red drum prior to the time the vessel docks or otherwise unloads its catch. The notice shall include the location of the vessel, where it will dock or unload, expected time of docking or unloading, and the estimated number of pounds of red drum on board.

Acts 1987, No. 383, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:304 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 304
Vessel license; fees; place of purchase
Status: in_force

A. A vessel shall be licensed whenever engaged in commercial fishing in or whenever possessing fish for sale in the saltwater areas of the state defined in R.S. 56:322. A vessel may be licensed whenever engaged in commercial fishing in or whenever possessing fish for sale in the freshwater areas of the state defined in R.S. 56:322.

B. The cost of the vessel license for a resident is fifty dollars for the first vessel, thirty-five dollars for the second vessel, and twenty dollars for the third and any subsequent vessel. The cost of the vessel license for a nonresident is four hundred dollars.

C. Vessel licenses shall be issued only by the department during normal working hours and may be purchased in person at the department's Baton Rouge office or at any other location designated by the department.

D. Vessel licenses are issued in the name of the owner of the vessel and shall list the owner's name and address, the vessel name and registration or documentation number, and any other information required by the department.

E. "Owner", as used in this Subpart, means the person having legal ownership of the vessel and can be an individual person, association, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity recognized by law.

Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 2009, No. 446, §2, eff. July 1, 2009; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.

NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:426 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 426
Filing and recordation of water bottoms leases
Status: in_force

A. Leases shall be executed in duplicate and a copy of the plan of survey annexed thereto. One duplicate shall be delivered to the lessee and the other retained by the department and registered in a lease book for that purpose.

B. All persons to whom water bottoms leases are granted shall, within thirty days following the granting thereof, record an executed copy of such lease or leases, together with a plat or map of survey indicating the area affected, in the conveyance records of the parish or parishes of the state of Louisiana in which the area is located. Within twenty days from such recordation, certified copies of the plat or map of survey shall be filed with the department. Transfers of leases from one person to another shall be likewise recorded and filed.

C. If a lease is not recorded and filed within the time periods provided above, no third party shall be bound or affected by the provision of that lease, until such time as it is properly recorded and filed. There shall be no claim against the state of Louisiana for the disregard of the provisions of any lease not properly recorded and filed in accordance with foregoing, nor shall there by any claim against the department, the register of the state land office, or the State Mineral and Energy Board, for the disregard of the provisions of any lease which has not been properly filed with the respective agency involved.

D. All leases of water bottoms for oyster culture previously granted and not filed and recorded as provided for in this Subpart, and all such leases hereafter granted, and not recorded as provided herein, shall be subordinate to the rights of the state of Louisiana, its agencies and lessees, with respect to the granting of mineral and shell leases and the exercise of rights thereunder. The renewal or extension of the term of an existing oyster lease shall not be deemed a new lease, but a renewal or extension shall be recorded no later than six months after the expiration of the term of the previous lease.

Acts 1981, No. 925, §1; Acts 2009, No. 196, §9, eff. July 1, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 267, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:499 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 499
Trawls, butterfly, and skimmer nets, and cast nets; size of mesh; length; diameter of butterfly and skimmer nets extensions; prohibited devices
Status: in_force

A. Saltwater shrimp may be taken by means of trawls, butterfly nets, skimmer nets, or cast nets and by no other means except as provided in R.S. 56:497(B) and R.S. 56:571.

B.(1) No person shall take saltwater shrimp with any trawl, skimmer net, or butterfly net with a mesh size less than five-eighths of an inch square or one and one-fourth of an inch stretched. No trawl, skimmer net, or butterfly net may be used in closed waters.

(2) No person shall use a double butterfly net having an individual net frame more than twelve feet measured horizontally or vertically, whichever distance is greater, each or a single stationary butterfly net having an individual net frame greater than twenty-two feet measured horizontally or vertically, whichever distance is greater, except that persons on a vessel may use a double butterfly net having individual net frames of not more than sixteen feet measured horizontally or twelve feet measured vertically, each. A butterfly net may be mounted no more than twenty-four inches from the side of the vessel. Operation of butterfly nets shall in no way impede or restrict normal navigation.

(3) No person shall use a double skimmer net with an opening measuring more than seventy-two feet in circumference for each net and a lead line greater than thirty-three feet. No person shall tie individual skimmer nets together to exceed the specifications contained in this Paragraph or use any trawl in conjunction with a butterfly or skimmer. No person shall use a double skimmer net where the horizontal net frame extends more than twenty feet from the gunwale of the vessel. Operation of skimmer nets shall in no way impede or restrict normal navigation.

(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection to the contrary, no person shall take saltwater shrimp with a trawl, skimmer net, or butterfly net with a mesh size of less than five-eighths of an inch square or one and one-fourth of an inch stretched in inside waters during the fall inshore shrimp season, except in that portion of the state's inside waters from the Atchafalaya River west to the western shore of Vermilion Bay and Southwest Pass at Marsh Island, mesh size no less than three-quarters of an inch square or one and one-half of an inch stretched may be used in inside waters during the fall inshore shrimp season.

C. No person shall use sweeper devices, leads, extensions, wings, or other attachments in conjunction with or attached to butterfly nets.

D.(1)(a) No person may operate a stationary shrimp net within one thousand feet upstream from another stationary shrimp net that is attached or moored to a wharf or platform that has been permitted by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

(b) However, if two permitted wharves or platforms are located within one thousand feet of each other, the owner of the upstream wharf or platform may attach a stationary shrimp net thereto if any one of the following applies:

(i) His permit from the corps of engineers was issued prior to the effective date of this Section.

(ii) His permit from the corps of engineers was issued prior to the permit for the downstream wharf or platform.

(iii) The owner of the downstream wharf or platform does not operate a stationary shrimp net.

(2) For purposes of this Subsection, stationary shrimp net means any net for taking shrimp, including a butterfly or skimmer net, that is attached to the water bottom, bank, or a fixed structure.

(3) A violation of this Subsection shall be a class one violation.

Acts 1985, No. 908, §1; Acts 1986, No. 904, §2; Acts 1989, No. 490, §1; Acts 1991, No. 931, §1; Acts 1993, No. 69, §1; Acts 1993, No. 263, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1995; Acts 1997, No. 919, §1; Acts 2001, No. 87, §1; Acts 2003, No. 269, §1; Acts 2004, No. 879, §1; Acts 2014, No. 14, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:306.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 306.3
Wholesale/retail seafood dealer's license and retail seafood dealer's license; license year; purchase period
Status: in_force

A. A wholesale/retail seafood dealer's license and a retail seafood dealer's license are valid for one year, beginning on January first of each calendar year and expiring on December thirty-first of the same calendar year.

B. A wholesale/retail seafood dealer's license and a retail seafood dealer's license may be purchased at any time of the year for the current license year and from November fifteenth for the immediately following license year.

C. The department may also authorize the purchase of a wholesale/retail seafood dealer's license and a retail seafood dealer's license for a four-year period at four times the cost of the annual license fee.

Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 1987, No. 92, §1; Acts 1987, No. 534, §1; Acts 1987, No. 851, §1; Acts 1990, No. 441, §1; Acts 1995, No. 543, §2; Acts 1997, No. 376, §1; Acts 2003, No. 182, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021; Acts 2022, No. 631, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:69.29 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 69.29
Amendments to the Wildlife Violator Compact
Status: in_force

A. The Wildlife Violator Compact may be amended from time to time. Amendments shall be presented in resolution form to the chairman of the board of compact administrators and shall be initiated by one or more participating states.

B. Adoption of an amendment shall require endorsement by all participating states and shall become effective thirty days after the date of the last endorsement.

C. Failure of a participating state to respond to the chairman of the board of compact administrators within one hundred twenty days after receipt of a proposed amendment shall constitute endorsement thereof.

Acts 2008, No. 363, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1856 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1856
Historic and scenic rivers
Status: in_force

A. The provisions of this Part shall be applicable to those historic and scenic rivers designated below and full consideration shall be given to the detrimental effect of any proposed action upon the historic and scenic character thereof, as well as the benefits of the proposed use.

B. The following are designated as historic and scenic rivers:

(1) Bayou St. John within the boundaries of Orleans Parish.

(2) Bayou Manchac - From the Amite River to the Mississippi River.

Acts 1982, No. 267, §1; Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988; Acts 2009, No. 370, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:674 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 674
Reciprocal agreement; common boundaries; wild quadrupeds or wild birds
Status: in_force

The commission may enter into reciprocal agreements with the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas pertaining to seasons, bag limits, and all other rules and regulations for the taking or protection of any species or sex of wild quadrupeds or wild birds in any area forming the common boundary between Louisiana and the reciprocating state. Any reciprocal agreement shall become effective when ratified in writing both by the commission and the authorities of the reciprocating state and shall remain in effect until ninety days after it has been rescinded in writing by either the commission or the authorities of the reciprocating state.

Added by Acts 1968, No. 239, §1. Acts 1984, No. 843, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:9 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 9
Report of violations; criminal prosecution; schedule of fines; citations; ex officio notaries public
Status: in_force

A. The director shall report all violations of the criminal laws with the enforcement of which he is charged to the district attorney within whose jurisdiction the infractions occurred. It is the mandatory duty of the district attorney to prosecute all such actions and make a report of such prosecutions to the director.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A of this Section, the judges of any judicial district, or, in the parish of Orleans, the judges of the criminal district court, with the consent of the district attorney, may adopt a schedule of fines, penalties and costs for violations of wildlife and fisheries laws as may be found in Title 56 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 and regulations adopted pursuant to those laws, within the limits of such penalties as are set by law, except that the schedule shall not include violations which by law are punishable by mandatory imprisonment. The schedules shall be applicable as provided hereafter.

C. Any person apprehended for or charged with the violation of a law or regulation contained in any such schedule may enter a written plea of guilty to the same by signing a declaration to that effect, which declaration shall specify the issue charged and the time and place thereof, and deposit with the sheriff of the parish a sum of money corresponding to the schedule of fines and costs for the violation of the particular offense charged. The said declaration shall authorize the sheriff to pay the amount of such fine, penalty and cost from money deposited in escrow for that purpose with the sheriff. Such declarations and the deposit of money in escrow shall be executed and transferred only in the court house, parish jail or such other place as is designated by the judges, and within such time limits as are set by the judges.

D. The judge or district attorney may refuse to accept such written pleas of guilty in any case and in the event of refusal, the written plea of guilty shall not be admissible in evidence for any reason whatsoever.

E.(1) The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall provide, in appropriate form, citations containing notices to appear, which shall be issued in books with citations in quadruplicate and meeting the requirements of this Part.

(2) The secretary shall issue these books, maintain a record of each book and each citation contained therein issued to all individual members of the enforcement agency, and require and retain a receipt for each book issued.

(3) In the event the citation form, provided for in this Part, is sworn to and includes the necessary information required under the general laws of this state with respect to a complaint, which charges the commission of the offense alleged in said citation to have been committed, then such citation, when filed with a court of proper jurisdiction, shall be deemed to be a lawful complaint for the purpose of prosecution under this Part.

(4) Each enforcement officer, upon issuing a citation to an alleged violator of any provision of law under their jurisdiction, shall deposit the original citation or a copy of such citation along with a disposition copy with a court having jurisdiction over the alleged offense.

(5) The secretary shall also maintain or cause to be maintained, in connection with every citation issued by an officer, a record of the disposition of the charge by the court in which the original or a copy of the citation was deposited.

F.(1) Notwithstanding any provisions in the law relative to qualifications for and limitations on the number of notaries public, the governor is authorized to appoint, upon recommendation by the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the executive officer of each enforcement region and district and any investigator of the internal affairs unit of the enforcement division of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, as an ex officio notary public, who shall perform the duties provided hereunder without charge or other compensation.

(2) Any ex officio notary public appointed under the provisions of this Section shall possess those notarial powers as provided by law to administer oaths and take acknowledgements, but only in connection with his official duties.

(3) Specially designated commissioned Louisiana wildlife enforcement agents assigned to internal affairs shall have the power to administer oaths and receive sworn statements in connection with their official duties.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1980, No. 117, §1; Acts 1982, No. 621, §2. Acts 1983, No. 174, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:301.9 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 301.9
Issuance of commercial licenses via Internet transactions
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 56:303(D), specifically, and any other provision of law to the contrary, the department may promulgate rules and regulations authorizing application and payment via the Internet for commercial licenses issued under the provisions of this Part. Such licenses applied and paid for via an Internet transaction may be issued to the person who held that same license in the immediately preceding license year. The rules shall designate the commercial licenses available for application and purchase via the Internet and may impose a fee not to exceed two dollars per license for use of such application and payment system. The fee shall be used by the department for costs necessary to develop and operate the application and payment system and shall be in addition to any license or transaction fee imposed by a contractor that has been hired by the department to operate the system. The rules shall also specify the payment methods to be used by the system.

Acts 2012, No. 61, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1950.22 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1950.22
Louisiana Music Trail
Status: in_force

The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism may establish a process and criteria for adding routes to the Louisiana Music Trail. Any political subdivision may request that a specified segment of a state or U.S. highway be included in the trail.

Acts 2023, No. 283, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:699.7 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 699.7
Four wheeler and all-terrain vehicle instruction
Status: in_force

The department may offer in its firearm and hunter education program an educational block of instruction on the proper way and method of safely riding "four wheelers" or all-terrain vehicles.

Acts 2004, No. 172, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1942 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1942
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this Part, "Cote Joyeuse (Joyous Coast)" means the corridor or road extending from south of the present site of Fort St. Jean Baptiste on either side of the Cane River to the vicinity of Cloutierville, Louisiana.

Acts 1989, No. 467, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:151 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 151
Purpose
Status: in_force

The hunting of migratory waterfowl has long been a source of recreation and tourism in Louisiana. In order to protect and preserve this most valuable asset, the Louisiana Duck License, Stamp, and Print Program is created as a means of funding approved projects through sale of a migratory waterfowl license, hereinafter known as the "duck license", and sale of duck stamps and prints.

Acts 1988, No. 632, §1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1990, No. 392, §1; Acts 2001, No. 270, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:318 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 318
Taking fish for scientific or educational purposes; permits
Status: in_force

A. The department may take fish of any kind when, where, and in such manner as may be deemed necessary for scientific or educational purposes and for propagation and distribution. The department shall have the authority to regulate or prohibit, by rule in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, the importation or introduction of live fish or fish eggs of any kind in public or private waters of the state.

B. No person shall introduce into the state any live fish or fish eggs without a permit issued by the department; provided, however, that the department shall have the authority to regulate or prohibit, by rule in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, the importation or introduction of goldfish and aquarium fish into the state.

C. The secretary may issue permits to any persons to take fish for scientific or educational purposes or for propagation or for distribution. The prohibition against the taking of fish by means of any device not specially permitted in this Subpart under the legal size limits provided in this Subpart during any closed season or closed zones designated by the department does not apply to such persons if, in the opinion of the department, the fish are necessary for scientific or educational purposes or for propagation or distribution to other waters of the state. These permits may be revoked at any time if abused.

Acts 1974, No. 223, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1990, No. 196, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:507 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 507
Penalty for violation of Subpart
Status: in_force

A. Anyone who violates a Section of this Subpart for which no penalty has been given has committed a class three violation.

B. In addition to all other penalties provided by law, an agent shall seize any shrimp or parts or products thereof in the possession of a person violating the laws of this Subpart by taking shrimp in closed season. Any such seized shrimp shall be forfeited and subject to immediate disposition in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the commission pursuant to the disposition of seized and forfeited perishables.

Amended by Acts 1950, No. 544, §1; Acts 1958, No. 53, §9; Acts 1981, No. 837, §3; Acts 1988, No. 959, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:320.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 320.2
Federal exclusive economic zone (EEZ)
Status: in_force

A. The possession of gill nets, trammel nets, strike nets, or seines on or aboard any vessel in the saltwater areas of the state is prohibited unless the captain or owner of the vessel has in his immediate possession upon the vessel a permit issued by the department under R.S. 56:305.5(B).

B. While traversing state waters going to and from the waters of the federal exclusive economic zone (EEZ), all gill nets, trammel nets, strike nets, or seines shall remain on board the vessel and shall not be used while in state waters.

C. All vessels fishing in the federal exclusive economic zone (EEZ) shall comply with all applicable federal law and regulations.

D.(1) A violation of this Section shall constitute a class six violation. In addition to any penalty imposed under this Section, any state permit issued under the provisions of R.S. 56:305.5(B) shall be immediately suspended upon a conviction for violation of this Section.

(2) No person who has had his permit suspended under this Section shall reapply for a new permit or be issued a new permit.

E. The commission shall promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary to effectuate the provisions of this Section.

Acts 1995, No. 1316, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1905 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1905
Retroactivity; importation
Status: in_force

None of the provisions of this Part shall be construed to apply retroactively or to prohibit importation into the state of wildlife which may be lawfully imported into the United States or lawfully taken and removed from another state or to prohibit entry into this state or the possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale or offer for sale or shipment of any wildlife which has been determined to be an endangered or threatened species in this state but not in the state where originally taken if the person engaging in such activity demonstrates by substantial evidence that such wildlife was lawfully taken and lawfully removed from such state. Provided, however, that this section shall not be construed to permit the possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale or offer for sale or shipment within this state of species of wildlife determined, pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act to be an endangered or threatened species, except as permitted by Subsection G of Section 1904 of this Part.

Added by Acts 1974, No. 473, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:302.9 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 302.9
Charter boat fishing guide license; nonresident fee
Status: in_force

A.(1)(a) No person shall act as nor represent himself to be a saltwater charter boat fishing guide unless that person possesses a valid state charter boat fishing guide license, a valid captain's license issued by the United States Coast Guard, proof of commercial marine insurance, and a valid state recreational fishing license that grants fishing privileges appropriate for his charter activity. In addition, any person acting as a saltwater charter boat fishing guide who is in charge of the operation of a vessel shall have his required licenses and proof of commercial marine insurance on his person while on the water. It shall not be a violation of this Section for a person to represent himself as a charter boat fishing guide if that person held a valid license during the previous thirty days but has not renewed the license.

(b) No person shall act as or represent himself to be a freshwater charter boat fishing guide unless that person possesses a valid state charter boat fishing guide license, proof of commercial marine insurance, and a valid state recreational fishing license that grants fishing privileges appropriate for his charter activity. In addition, any person acting as a freshwater charter boat fishing guide who is in charge of the operation of a vessel shall have his required licenses and proof of commercial marine insurance on his person while on the water. It shall not be a violation of this Section for a person to represent himself as a charter boat fishing guide if that person held a valid license during the previous thirty days but has not renewed the license. The department shall provide written notification to the holder of a license issued pursuant to this Subparagraph that the holder may be subject to other requirements of law, including holding a valid captain's license issued by the United States Coast Guard.

(2) The commercial marine insurance required by this Subsection shall be written by an insurance company with at least an A- rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best's Key Rating Guide and in a sufficient amount to protect the public as determined by the commission.

(3) The nonresident charter boat fishing guide license shall be available only from the Baton Rouge office of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Such licenses shall be issued on a consignment basis, and no agent fees shall apply. A nonresident saltwater charter boat fishing guide license shall be made available only to those persons who possess a valid captain's license issued by the United States Coast Guard.

(4) For the purposes of this Subsection, references to saltwater and freshwater shall be to the historic saltwater and freshwater areas described in R.S. 56:322(A) and (B).

B. A nonresident fishing from a vessel operated by a licensed charter boat fishing guide shall purchase and possess the appropriate required license as defined in R.S. 56:3001(B). Each nonresident shall also possess a valid out-of-state motor vehicle operator's license or such other proof of residency as the department may require.

C.(1) The annual fee for a resident saltwater charter boat fishing guide license is three hundred dollars for operating a vessel that carries not more than six passengers and seven hundred dollars for operating a vessel that carries more than six passengers.

(2) The annual fee for a resident freshwater charter boat fishing guide license is one hundred fifty dollars.

(3)(a) The annual fee for a nonresident saltwater charter boat fishing guide license is one thousand five hundred dollars for operating a vessel that carries not more than six passengers and two thousand dollars for operating a vessel that carries more than six passengers.

(b) The annual fee for a nonresident freshwater charter boat fishing guide license is five hundred dollars.

(c) There shall be an additional five hundred dollar charter promotion fee for each nonresident charter boat fishing guide license issued under the provisions of Subparagraphs (a) and (b) of this Paragraph which shall be deposited into the Charter Boat Fishing Escrow Account as provided in R.S. 56:10(B)(1)(f).

D. A charter boat fishing guide license is valid for one year, beginning on January first of each calendar year and expiring on December thirty-first of the same calendar year.

E. A charter boat fishing guide license may be purchased at any time of the year for the current license year and from November fifteenth for the immediately following license year.

F. A charter boat fishing guide license shall be issued by the department during normal working hours and may be purchased in person at the Baton Rouge office, or at any other location designated by the department.

G. Except for the charter promotion fee provided for in Subparagraph (C)(3)(c) of this Section, all annual license fees derived pursuant to this Section shall be placed in the Conservation Fund.

H. Each charter boat fishing guide licensee may complete a landing report and return the report to the department at the time and manner designated by the commission. The commission shall establish the information to be provided in the landing report by the charter boat fishing guide licensee. The landing report may include information on the number of trips taken, number of anglers fishing on a trip, area fished, time fished, trip origin, any information determined by the commission to be necessary to properly manage the fishery resource of the state, and any information required by the commission to prepare stock assessments. However, the commission shall not request any financial information. The information provided by a licensee shall be maintained as confidential in accordance with R.S. 56:301.4. The commission shall adopt rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the provisions of this Subsection.

I. Except for Subsection H, a violation of any provision of this Section shall constitute a class four violation, R.S. 56:34.

J.(1) In addition to any other penalty provided for in this Section, for any person convicted of a first offense of violating Subsection A or B of this Section, the offender shall pay a fine of no less than one thousand dollars to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. For any person convicted of a second offense of violating Subsection A or B of this Section, the offender may only operate a vessel that employs a vessel monitoring system for the three years after the date of the conviction. For any person convicted of a third or subsequent offense of violating Subsection A or B of this Section, the offender may only operate a vessel that employs a vessel monitoring system for ten years after the date of the conviction.

(2) Whenever an offender is required to employ a vessel monitoring system, access to the monitoring system shall be granted to the department, and the offender shall notify the department on which vessel or vessels the offender will be operating for commercial or recreational use. Any person required to be on board a vessel with an approved vessel monitoring system shall comply with all rules and regulations promulgated by the department or the commission to ensure compliance with vessel monitoring system requirements. The cost of a vessel monitoring system shall be the responsibility of the offender. The department shall approve the vessel monitoring system for use pursuant to this Section.

(3) Any charter guide or individual posing as a charter guide required to operate a vessel with an approved vessel monitoring system who is found operating any vessel that is not equipped with such a system, for commercial or recreational purposes, may have their charter guide license suspended and may be prohibited from obtaining such a license for the remainder of the year in which the person was found not abiding by the vessel monitoring requirement. In addition, the violator shall be sentenced to perform no less than forty hours of community service. If available, the hours shall be served in a litter abatement community service program.

(4) The department shall adopt rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the provisions of this Section.

Acts 1995, No. 1039, §1, eff. June 29, 1995; Acts 1997, No. 1236, §1; Acts 2001, No. 902, §1; Acts 2003, No. 3, §1; Acts 2008, No. 564, §1; Acts 2010, No. 654, §1; Acts 2012, No. 844, §1; Acts 2013, No. 40, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021; Acts 2022, No. 353, §1; Acts 2022, No. 582, §1; Acts 2024, No. 153, §1; Acts 2024, No. 442, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:69.12 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 69.12
Liability
Status: in_force

A. The provisions of Chapter 10 of Title 23 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, pertaining to worker's compensation, shall not apply to and there is specifically excluded from the operation thereof, any auxiliary enforcement agent commissioned pursuant to the provisions of this Subpart.

B. An auxiliary agent shall provide evidence of insurance coverage for personal health and accident insurance. The department shall provide comprehensive general liability insurance, including personal injury coverage for third parties.

Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:2029 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 2029
Tax
Status: in_force

A. The commission may, when necessary, levy annually an ad valorem tax not to exceed five mills on the dollar of assessed valuation of all property, provided that the amount, term and purpose of said tax, as set out in a proposition submitted to a vote in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code, shall be approved by a majority of the qualified electors voting in a special election held for that purpose and the tax levy is approved by the Terrebonne Parish Council.

B. All funds derived under this Section may be used for any expenses or purposes of the district.

Acts 1991, No. 179, §1, eff. July 2, 1991.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:70.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 70.3
Louisiana Help Our Wildlife Fund; uses of fund
Status: in_force

The Louisiana Help Our Wildlife Fund is hereby abolished in the state treasury. Any monies in the fund shall be transferred to the Conservation Fund.

Acts 1995, No. 77, §1; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 148, §8; Acts 2018, No. 612, §18, eff. July 1, 2020; Acts 2019, No. 404, §1, eff. July 1, 2020.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:116.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 116.1
Wild birds and wild quadrupeds; times and methods of taking; penalties
Status: in_force

A. Resident game birds, outlaw birds, game quadrupeds, and outlaw quadrupeds may be taken only in accordance with all of the following:

(1) In the open season.

(2) With or without the aid of dogs, except on wildlife management areas and refuges owned or leased by the department and in those areas of the state wherein the aid of dogs is specifically prohibited by rules and regulations adopted by the commission.

(3) By a licensee.

(4) In accordance with the bag and possession limits set by the commission.

(5) From one-half hour before official sunrise to one-half hour after official sunset.

(6) With a bow and arrow, crossbow, rifle, handgun, pre-charged pneumatic device, falconry, or a shotgun not larger than a No. 10 gauge fired from the shoulder without a rest, except as otherwise provided in this Chapter.

(7) In accordance with rules and regulations adopted and promulgated by the commission.

(8) Use of a laser sight or sighting device which projects a beam of light to the target only by a person holding a physically challenged hunter permit, as authorized in R.S. 56:104.1, who has the impairment of visual functioning even after treatment and/or standard refractive correction, and has a visual acuity of equal to or less than 20/200 to light perception, or a visual field of less than ten degree from the point of fixation, as certified by a Louisiana licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. Such hunter shall be accompanied by another licensed hunter and only the person holding the physically challenged hunter permit may discharge the firearm.

B. No person shall do any of the following:

(1) Take game birds or wild quadrupeds while riding or standing in or upon a moving land vehicle or aircraft.

(2) Hunt, shoot, or take, or attempt to hunt, shoot, or take, game birds or wild quadrupeds across a highway or road right of way, defined as from one side of a highway or road right of way to the other.

(3)(a) Take or kill any game bird or wild quadruped with a firearm fitted with an infrared sight, laser sight or except as provided in Paragraph (A)(8) or (D)(2) of this Section, any sighting device which projects a beam of light to the target or otherwise electronically illuminates the target, or any device specifically designed to enhance vision at night.

(b) Except as provided for in Paragraph (D)(3) of this Section, take or kill any game bird or wild quadruped with or by means of an automatic loading or hand operated repeating shotgun capable of holding more than three shells. Any shotgun capable of holding more than three shells shall be plugged with a one-piece filler incapable of removal through the loading end, so as to reduce the capacity of the gun to not more than three shells at one loading.

(4) Except as provided in Paragraph (A)(8) of this Section, take or kill any game bird or wild quadruped with a bow or crossbow or other archery equipment, which is equipped with an infrared or laser sight or any sighting device which projects a beam of light to the target or otherwise electronically illuminates the target.

(5) Take or kill on any calendar day during the open season, or in the aggregate during the open season, a greater number of migratory or resident game birds, protected birds, wild quadrupeds, or protected quadrupeds than that set and specified in the rules and regulations of the commission.

(6) Possess at any time any wild game bird or wild game quadruped or part thereof; or disturb or destroy any nest, or egg, or young of any such wild quadruped or wild bird, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Chapter.

(7) Possess at any time any wild game bird or wild game quadruped in a manner contrary to any of the provisions of R.S. 56:104 or R.S. 56:171 through 181 or any of the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

(8) Have in his personal possession in the field between the place taken and the domicile of the possessor more than the possession limit of game birds or wild quadrupeds, unless the game birds or wild quadrupeds are tagged with a tag indicating the species, the date and place taken, license number, and signature of the person who took the game birds or wild quadrupeds, indicating compliance with R.S. 56:115, 117, or 119 or any other provisions of this Chapter governing possession of game birds or wild quadrupeds, and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

(9) Take or kill any wild quadruped behind a rail or other object driven or pulled by a vehicle or other device, which practice is commonly known as mashing weeds.

(10) Hunt with firearms of any type or with bows and arrows after one-half hour after official sunset and before one-half hour before official sunrise; nor shall any person hunt with the aid of any artificial light at any time. This prohibition shall not affect night hunting of raccoons or opossums pursuant to Subsection C of this Section or of outlaw quadrupeds, nutria, or beaver pursuant to Subsection D of this Section. This prohibition shall not apply to the ingress or egress by a hunter during nondaylight hours with the aid of a handheld light.

(11) Hunt or take squirrels or rabbits at any time with a breach loaded rifle larger than a standard .22 caliber rimfire, or a muzzle loaded rifle larger than .36 caliber. Nothing herein shall preclude the use of a shotgun or pistol.

(12) Intentionally feed, deposit, place, distribute, expose, scatter, or cause to be fed, deposited, placed, distributed, exposed, or scattered, raw sweet potatoes to wild game quadrupeds.

C.(1) No person shall take or hunt furbearing animals at night with artificial light. It shall be lawful, however, for one or more licensed hunters with one or more dogs to hunt raccoons or opossums at night with lights, and to carry on such hunts for the purpose of taking raccoons or opossums not more than one standard .22 caliber rimfire firearm and to use single ball rimfire ammunition.

(2)(a) Farmers and landowners may hunt raccoons or opossums as provided by law with a .22 caliber rimfire rifle when the animals are found destroying crops of corn, sweet potatoes, watermelons, pecans, and other crops, with no bag limit any time of the year.

(b) Squirrels found destroying crops of pecans may be taken year-round by permit, which shall be valid thirty days from date of issuance. The permittee who is authorized to take squirrel may use a shotgun no larger than a 12 gauge and no smaller than a .410 gauge. The permittee shall delineate and the permit shall indicate the specific area in which this permit shall be valid. This permit shall be issued only by the department during normal working hours and may be obtained in person at the Baton Rouge office, at a district headquarters office, or at any other location designated by the department. There is no fee charged for the issuance of this permit.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Subsection to the contrary, any opossums, raccoons, nutria, otters, muskrat, mink, or beaver that are found destroying crawfish in a private pond primarily used for the purpose of commercially cultivating crawfish or destroying the structure of such pond may be taken as provided by law by the crawfish farmer or landowner with either a rimfire rifle no larger than a .22 caliber or a shotgun no larger than a 12-gauge using nontoxic shot no larger than BB-sized from a boat or vehicle with no bag limit any time of the year during daytime or nighttime hours.

(3) There shall be no recreational bag limit on raccoon or opossum hunting during the open trapping season; however, the commission shall establish a recreational bag limit for such hunting during that period of the year when the trapping season is closed. No one shall sell the skins or carcasses of raccoons and opossums taken during the open trapping season unless he is the holder of a valid commercial trapper's license. However, carcasses of raccoons and opossums taken by the holder of a commercial trapper's license on the last day of trapping season may be pelted or sold on the day immediately following the close of the season.

(4) It shall be legal for a licensed hunter to take raccoon or opossum during daylight hours during the open rabbit season.

(5) No person shall take or hunt raccoons or opossums from a boat or vehicle.

(6) The Wildlife and Fisheries Commission may adopt and promulgate rules and regulations that provide for the recreational taking of nutria. Such rules and regulations shall provide for the open season, methods of taking, hours for taking, and the bag and possession limits. Such rules and regulations shall in no way authorize the taking of nutria on privately owned land without the express permission of the landowner and shall prohibit the sale of nutria skins or carcasses except by the holder of a valid trapping license or by a licensed fur buyer or fur dealer.

D.(1) Outlaw quadrupeds, nutria, or beaver may be taken at any time of year from one-half hour before official sunrise to one-half hour after official sunset, without limit as to number, except by trapping during the closed season for nongame quadrupeds; however, such trapping may be used only under special permit issued by the department, except such trapping of outlaw quadrupeds may be used without special permit in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the commission.

(2) On private property, the landowner, or his lessee or agent with written permission and the landowner's contact information in his possession, may take outlaw quadrupeds, nutria, or beaver during nighttime hours. However, no person shall be allowed to participate or be present during nighttime hunting activities if convicted of a class three or greater wildlife violation within the previous five years or if he has any other prohibition which would prevent the legal use of a firearm or participation in a hunting activity. Such taking may be with or without the aid of artificial light, infrared or laser sighting devices, or night vision devices. Any person attempting to take outlaw quadrupeds, nutria, or beaver under the provisions of this Paragraph shall notify the sheriff of the parish in which the property is located of his intention to attempt to take outlaw quadrupeds, nutria, or beaver within twenty-four hours prior to the attempted taking or immediately upon taking the animal.

(3) On private property, outlaw quadrupeds may be taken with or by means of an automatic-loading or hand-operated repeating shotgun capable of holding more than three shells when using buckshot or rifled slug ammunition.

(4) Notwithstanding Paragraph (B)(1) of this Section, on private property, outlaw quadrupeds may be taken while riding or standing in or upon a moving land vehicle.

E. Bowhunters may carry any caliber of firearm on their person while hunting with a bow. The provisions of this Subsection shall in no way be interpreted to limit the ability of the department to regulate hunting activities in a wildlife management area in accordance with R.S. 56:109.

F. Each taking of a migratory or resident game bird, protected bird, game quadruped, or protected quadruped in excess of the limit as set and specified in the rules and regulations of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, and each taking of such a migratory or resident game bird, protected bird, game quadruped, or protected quadruped in the closed season, constitutes a separate offense under the provisions of this Subpart.

G. Except where expressly stated to the contrary, the provisions of this Section shall apply to the taking or possession of deer, bear, and turkey. Where a specific prohibition and penalty relating to the taking or possession of deer, bear, or turkey has been provided in R.S. 56:116.3 or 116.4, the provisions of R.S. 56:116.3 or 116.4, as applicable, shall govern.

H. Violation of any of the provisions of this Section shall constitute a class three violation.

Acts 1992, No. 94, §1; Acts 1992, No. 857, §1; Acts 1992, No. 966, §1; Acts 1993, No. 82, §1; Acts 1995, No. 156, §1; Acts 1995, No. 453, §1; Acts 1996, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 84, §2; Acts 1999, No. 165, §1; Acts 1999, No. 469, §1; Acts 2001, No. 226, §1; Acts 2009, No. 55, §1; Acts 2009, No. 208, §1; Acts 2009, No. 322, §1; Acts 2010, No. 29, §1; Acts 2010, No. 254, §1, eff. June 17, 2010; Acts 2011, No. 27, §1; Acts 2011, No. 29, §1; Acts 2011, No. 95, §1; Acts 2012, No. 90, §1; Acts 2014, No. 229, §§1,2; Acts 2014, No. 378, §§1,2; Acts 2014, No. 477, §1; Acts 2015, No. 273, §1, eff. June 29, 2015; Acts 2019, No. 53, §1; Acts 2020, No. 175, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022; Acts 2022, No. 215, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:4 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 4
Authority of Department of Conservation and Energy over navigable water bottoms
Status: in_force

Nothing in this Title and particularly in R.S. 56:3 affects in any way the authority of the Department of Conservation and Energy to lease or otherwise administer the beds and bottoms of navigable rivers, streams, bayous, lagoons, lakes, bays, sounds, and inlets bordering on or connecting with the Gulf of Mexico within the territory or jurisdiction of the state, as established by law and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Acts 1985, No. 876, §3, eff. July 23, 1985; Acts 2023, No. 150, §22, eff. Jan. 10, 2024.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:799.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 799.2
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this Subpart, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) "Act of donation" means the "Act of Donation by BP America Production Company to the State of Louisiana," dated July 8, 2002, and recorded July 11, 2002, in the conveyance records of Vermilion Parish, bearing entry number 20208337 in which the property in and around White Lake, located in Vermilion Parish, was donated to the state.

(2) "Commission" means the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission.

(3) "Department" means the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

(4) "Fund" means the White Lake Property Fund.

(5) "White Lake Property" means the properties owned by the state in and around White Lake, located in Vermilion Parish which were donated to the state in "Act of Donation by BP America Production Company to the State of Louisiana," dated July 8, 2002, and recorded July 11, 2002, in the conveyance records of Vermilion Parish, bearing entry number 20208337.

Acts 2004, No. 613, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 2005; Acts 2016, No. 203, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:54 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 54
License requirements; enforcement by wildlife agents; arrest without warrant
Status: in_force

A. Wildlife enforcement agents of the enforcement division shall see that every person dealing in any way in any of the wildlife, fish, and game of the state in the territory assigned to him for which a license must be obtained, has in his possession, and is the owner of, an official license, and is in compliance with the laws, rules, and regulations under the jurisdiction of the department.

B. The secretary, deputy secretary, commissioned wildlife enforcement agents, any of the various sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, constables, deputy constables, marshals, and other police officers of this state may, without a warrant, arrest any person violating any of the laws or regulations under the jurisdiction of the department, or any other law of this state, and may immediately take such person in custody for examination or trial before any officer or court of competent jurisdiction of this state or of the United States, and may serve and execute any warrant or other process issued by any officer or court of competent jurisdiction of this state for the enforcement of such laws and regulations.

Acts 1985, No. 876, §3, eff. July 23, 1985; Acts 1999, No. 13, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:639.6 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 639.6
Louisiana Artificial Reef Development Council
Status: in_force

A. To oversee the program, there is hereby created the Louisiana Artificial Reef Development Council, hereinafter referred to as the "council", which shall be within the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The council will be composed of the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the executive director of CCEER, and the executive director of Sea Grant, or their designees. The council shall select a chairman.

B. The council is empowered to oversee development and implementation of the Louisiana Artificial Reef Development Plan. The council is charged with providing guidance to the department on policy and procedural matters concerning the program and shall make recommendations to the department regarding the allocation of funds to various program components.

Acts 1986, No. 100, §1, eff. June 23, 1986; Acts 1993, No. 271, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:32.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 32.1
Civil suit for recovery of value
Status: in_force

A. The department is authorized to bring a civil action to recover the penalties established by R.S. 56:31 and 32 and R.S. 30:2531(B) and 2531.3.

B. The department may elect to enforce the provisions of R.S. 56:31 and 32 and R.S. 30:2531(B) and 2531.3 by adjudicatory hearing held in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. The department shall hold the adjudicatory hearing in the regional office for the parish where the defendant is domiciled or where the violation occurred. The defendant may waive the adjudicatory hearing upon payment of the fine.

C.(1) In any case where the department elects to proceed by adjudicatory hearing, the defendant shall be notified in writing of the time and place set for the hearing. Written notice of the time and place of the hearing may be given on any citation or summons issued in connection with the violation or made by certified letter mailed to the defendant at his last known address or at the address that appears on any hunting or fishing license issued to him by the department. The summons or written notice shall constitute notice to the defendant that the failure to appear at the specified time and location shall result in the assessment of civil penalties and the loss of all hunting and fishing privileges while assessed amounts remain unpaid. Notice given by certified mail in accordance with this Subsection shall be deemed effective fifteen days after the notice is postmarked and mailed.

(2) Either party may appeal from a ruling of the administrative hearing officer to the district court in the judicial district where the offense occurred.

(3) Once all appeals deadlines have expired, a ruling of the administrative law judge shall be considered final for the purposes of debt recovery or collection.

D. Except for first offenses of class one violations, the person against whom the civil penalties are assessed shall also be liable for attorney fees and all costs of the adjudicatory hearing.

E. Any recovery of civil penalties shall be immediately deposited to the Conservation Fund of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Acts 2021, No. 241, §1; Acts 2022, No. 17, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:40.5 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 40.5
Venue and procedure
Status: in_force

A. A suit for recovery of civil penalties brought under this Subpart may be brought either in the parish of the defendant's domicile or in the parish in which the violation occurred.

B. Either party may appeal from a final judgment of the court as in other civil cases.

Acts 1988, No. 169, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:700.12 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 700.12
Damages to oyster leases; mineral activity; settlements and claims
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, including but not limited to R.S. 56:423 et seq., the claim of any lessee of oyster beds or grounds who is requested to enter into a settlement for damages which may occur due to an oil and gas activity which proposes to intrude upon the leasehold may be settled in the following manner:

(1) If the leaseholder and the owner of the oil and gas activity agree to settle for a fixed amount the settlement shall be in writing, signed by both parties, granting the activity for the agreed upon sum which shall be paid immediately.

(2) In the event that a settlement is reached there shall be no further claims or demand for damages thereafter for the activity upon which the agreement was made.

(3) If a settlement cannot be reached between the leaseholder and the owner, either party may file a request with the board for arbitration and final determination of the actual damages to the oyster lease due to the mineral activity thereon.

(4) If the claim is brought before the board, the owner of the oil and gas activity shall, at its 1 own expense, have a biological survey made of the leased premises to determine the quality and value of the beds and grounds which will be involved in the proposed operation. A biological survey shall be performed before the operations begin and upon completion of the activity.

(5) If the claim is brought before the board, the owner of the oil and gas activity shall file the initial biological survey with the board and pay a deposit to the board based on estimated damages as determined by the board after consideration of the results of the biological survey and any other information provided to the board. After payment of the deposit, the owner may proceed with his proposed activity. Upon completion of the activity, the owner of the oil and gas activity, at his own expense, shall have another biological survey performed and filed with the board so that actual damages to the leasehold may be determined by the board.

(6) All claims shall be evaluated expeditiously based on biological test data done before and after the activity over or on the beds occurs, and upon determining actual damages the claim shall be immediately paid to the board by the owner for the benefit of the leaseholder. Upon payment of the damages by the owner there shall be a presumption created in favor of the owner that actual damages are paid in full.

(7) If the leaseholder or owner is not satisfied with the decision of the board he may obtain judicial review by a suit in district court of the parish where the leasehold improvements are situated. The burden of proof for liability and damages and all costs shall be borne by the party seeking judicial review. If the district court upholds the findings of damages by the board the party seeking judicial review shall pay all costs and attorney fees of the other party.

Acts 1995, No. 1304, §1, eff. June 29, 1995; Acts 1997, No. 1115, §1; Acts 2004, No. 282, §1, eff. June 15, 2004; Acts 2005, No. 438, §1, eff. July 11, 2005.

1 As appears in enrolled bill. Should be "his".
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1684 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1684
Categories of classification
Status: in_force

Each office of state parks holding will be identified and operated according to the basic purpose for which it is established and will be selected, operated, and identified according to the following classification categories and the criteria thereof:

A. "State preservation areas" are those areas of exceptional scenic value which, because of their unique characteristics, should be preserved for current and future enjoyment. "Exceptional scenic value" refers to rare natural scenery unlikely to be preserved if the property remains in the ownership of private citizens and which is sufficiently distinctive to attract and interest people from all parts of the state.

The criteria for selection of areas to be designated state preservation areas shall be:

(1) Size: A state preservation area must be of sufficient size to allow preservation of major features of the park and the use of the features by the visitors. In either case, the inclusive area must be large enough to:

(a) Completely include the scenic natural or ecological features which the area was established to protect.

(b) Provide sufficient buffer area against outside disturbances and encroachments.

(c) Provide an undisturbed habitat for native wildlife; and

(d) Permit the development of public use areas, if these can be developed without impairing the scenic, natural, or ecological features of the area.

All state preservation areas must adhere to an absolute minimum size standard of five hundred acres or preferred minimum standard of one thousand acres. The secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism shall determine in each case which minimum standard will be applicable.

(2) Location and accessibility: A state preservation area will be selected exclusively on the basis of preservation, desirability of the unique natural features without principal regard to geographic distribution, proximity to population centers or accessibility.

The office of state parks shall adopt policies for governing development, management, and visitor use of state preservation areas, and such policies shall be consistent with the basic purpose of such areas as herein identified.

B. "State preservation sites" are smaller equivalents of a state preservation area established primarily to preserve a unique natural feature of ecological or scientific interest.

The criteria for selection of areas to be designated state preservation sites shall be:

(1) Size: A state preservation site shall be large enough to encompass the feature to be preserved and to provide a buffer sufficient to adequately protect that feature.

(2) Location and accessibility: A state preservation area will be selected exclusively on the basis of preservation, desirability of the unique natural features without principal regard to geographic distribution, proximity to population centers or accessibility.

The office of state parks shall adopt policies governing development, management, and visitor use of state preservation sites, and such policies shall be consistent with the basic purpose of such areas as herein identified.

C.(1) "State historic sites" are those areas which when evaluated on a statewide basis possess historical, cultural, or memorial significance. The principal function of a state historic site shall be to preserve and maintain a specific historical, cultural, or memorial theme.

(2) The criteria for selection of an area to be designated a state historic site shall be:

(a) Size: A state historic site will be of sufficient size to encompass the area or feature being commemorated or to adequately commemorate the event, feature, or culture for which the area is established, or both. Sufficient buffer will be established to minimize any encroachments which may impair the historical values and inhibit public use and appreciation of the area.

(b) Location and accessibility: A state historic site will be located within the environment of the event, feature, culture, or memorial which it represents.

(3) The office of state parks shall adopt policies governing development, management, and visitor use of state historic sites. Such policies shall be consistent with the basic purpose of such areas as herein defined.

D. "State parks" are natural areas which, when evaluated on a statewide basis, possess outstanding potential for recreation utilization. The natural area must possess outstanding scenic and natural qualities to provide a recreation opportunity of high quality in a natural setting.

The criteria for the selection of areas to be designated as state parks shall be:

(1) Size: A state park shall be of sufficient size to ensure efficient operation and maintenance of its recreation facilities and have sufficient buffer to preserve the natural integrity of the area.

All state parks, except those currently within the system, those in Caddo and Bossier Parishes, and those within Township 23 South - Range 22 East and Township 23 South - Range 23 East, Lafourche Parish, must adhere to an absolute minimum size standard of two hundred fifty acres and preferred minimum size standard of four hundred acres. The secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism will determine in each case which minimum standard will be applicable.

(2) Location and accessibility: A state park will be located in such a way as to take advantage of natural and man-made resources offering opportunities for recreation in a natural setting and shall be located sufficiently near population centers. Further, the office of state parks shall adopt policies governing the location of state parks in proximity to incorporated municipalities.

The office of state parks shall adopt policies governing development, management, and visitor use of state parks, and such policies shall be consistent with the basic purpose of such areas as herein identified.

E. "State experimental sites" shall be natural areas developed for experimentation or training of park personnel, or both, and for the study of innovative concepts, facilities, and activities which may be applicable to the function and program of the office of state parks.

The criteria for the selection of areas to be designated as state experimental sites are:

(1) Size: A state experimental site shall be of sufficient size to allow for development of a "typical" state park or for trial uses of innovative facilities and concepts.

(2) Location and accessibility: A state experimental site should be located near to and easily accessible from the office of state parks administrative office.

The office of state parks shall adopt policies governing development, management, and visitor use of state experimental sites, and such policies shall be consistent with the basic purpose of such areas as herein identified.

Acts 1980, No. 827, §1; Acts 1999, No. 709, §3; Acts 2022, No. 714, §2, eff. June 18, 2022; Acts 2023, No. 140, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1904 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1904
Threatened or endangered species, determination; notice; lists; regulations
Status: in_force

A. Any species of wildlife or native plant determined by the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to be an endangered or threatened species pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act shall be deemed to be an endangered or threatened species under the provisions of this Part.

B. In addition to the species deemed to be endangered or threatened pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act, the commission may by regulation determine whether any species of wildlife or native plant occurring within this state is an endangered or threatened species because of any of the following factors:

(1) The present or threatened destruction, modification or curtailment of its habitat or range.

(2) Overutilization for commercial, sporting, scientific, educational or other purposes.

(3) Disease or predation.

(4) The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms.

(5) Other natural or man-made factors affecting its continued existence within this state.

C. The secretary may make determinations required by Subsection B of this Section on the basis of the best scientific, commercial, and other data available to it and after consultation, as appropriate, with federal agencies, other interested state agencies, other states having a common interest in the species, and interested persons and organizations. The secretary may not add a species to nor remove a species from any list published pursuant to Subsection D of this Section unless the secretary has first:

(1) Published a notice of such proposed action in conformity with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq., as amended.

(2) Allowed at least thirty days following publication for comment from the public and other interested parties; however, that in cases where the department determines that an emergency situation exists involving the continued existence of such species as a viable component of the state's wildlife and native plants the department may add species to such lists provided it has published a public notice that such an emergency situation exists together with a summary of facts which support such determination.

(3) In determining whether any species of wildlife or native plant is an endangered species or a threatened species, the department shall take into consideration those actions, if any, being carried out or about to be carried out by the federal government, by other states, by other agencies of this state or political subdivisions thereof, or by any other person which may affect the species under consideration.

D.(1) The commission may issue regulations containing a list of all species of wildlife and native plants occurring within this state which are determined in accordance with Subsections A through C of this Section to be an endangered or threatened species. Each list shall refer to the species contained therein by scientific and common name or names, if any, and shall specify with respect to each such species over what portion of its range it is endangered or threatened.

(2) Except with respect to species of wildlife and native plants determined to be endangered or threatened pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act, the commission may upon the petition of an interested person conduct a review of any listed or unlisted species proposed to be removed from or added to the lists published pursuant to this Subsection, but only if it makes and publishes a public notice that such person has presented substantial evidence which warrants such a review.

E. Whenever any species of wildlife or native plant is listed as a threatened or endangered species pursuant to Subsection D of this Section, the commission shall issue such regulations as it deems necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of such species. The commission may, by regulation, prohibit with respect to any threatened or endangered species of wildlife any act prohibited under Subsection F of this Section and with respect to any threatened or endangered species of native plant any act prohibited under Subsection H of this Section.

F.(1) With respect to any endangered species of wildlife, it is unlawful, except as provided in Subsection G of this section, for any person subject to the jurisdiction of this state to:

(a) Export any such species from this state;

(b) Take any such species within this state;

(c) Possess, process, sell or offer for sale, deliver, carry, transport or ship, by any means whatsoever, any such species;

(d) Violate any regulation pertaining to the conservation of such species of wildlife listed pursuant to this section and promulgated by the commission pursuant to authority provided by this Part.

(2) Provided that any endangered species of wildlife which enters this state from another state or from a point outside the territorial limits of the United States and which is being transported to a point within or beyond this state may be so entered and transported without restriction in accordance with the terms of any federal permit or permit issued under the laws or regulations of another state.

G. The department may issue permits under such terms and conditions as it may prescribe pertaining to any act otherwise prohibited by Subsection F of this Section for scientific purposes, regulated taking, or to enhance the propagation or survival of the affected species.

H. With respect to any threatened or endangered species of native plant, it is unlawful, except as provided in Subsection I of this Section, for any person subject to the jurisdiction of this state to:

(1) Willfully destroy or harvest any such species growing on the private land of another without first obtaining the written permission of the landowner or legal representative of the landowner.

(2) Willfully destroy or harvest any such species on any public land without a permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and written permission from the agency owning the land. However, permits issued for species listed on the federal Endangered Species List under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, must be consistent with federal standards.

I. (1) With respect to native plant species, no provision of this Part shall apply to the following:

(a) The clearing or other disturbance of land for agricultural or silvicultural purposes.

(b) The clearing or removal of threatened or endangered plants by the landowner or his agent.

(c) The clearing of land by a public agency or a publicly or privately owned public utility when acting in the performance of its obligation to provide service to the public.

(d) The propagation and sale of legally harvested threatened or endangered plant species by entities of the horticultural and nursery industry that are licensed or permitted to operate under the Horticulture Commission Law, R.S. 3:3801 et seq.

(e) Any emission or discharge authorized pursuant to a permit, license, registration, or variance by the Department of Environmental Quality or any water intake for a facility that holds such permit, license, registration or variance.

(2) The provisions of this Part shall not be interpreted to authorize the department to designate critical habitat on private property.

J. Any law, regulation or ordinance of any political subdivision of this state which applies with respect to the taking, importation, exportation, possession, sale or offer for sale, processing, delivery, carrying, transportation or shipment of wildlife species determined to be endangered species or threatened species pursuant to this Part is void to the extent that it may effectively do either of the following:

(1) Permit what is prohibited by this Part or by any regulation which implements this Part.

(2) Prohibit what is authorized pursuant to an exemption or permit provided for in this Part or in any regulation which implements this Part.

K. This Part shall not otherwise be construed to void any law, regulation or ordinance of any political subdivision of this state which is intended to conserve wildlife.

Added by Acts 1974, No. 473, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 2017, No. 228, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:433 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 433
Culling oysters taken from natural reefs; size limits
Status: in_force

A. All marketable oysters taken from the natural reefs of this state which measure less than three inches from hinge to mouth and all dead shell shall be immediately replaced and scattered broadcast upon the natural reefs from which taken. No person shall have in his possession off the natural reefs any natural reef oysters which were not taken in accordance with the provisions of this Subpart. Any excess of over fifteen percent of dead shells and oysters under the size prescribed in this Section, in any cargo lot of oysters except any cargo lot of oysters to be used as seed oysters for bedding purposes only, shall be considered a violation of this Subpart, and any officer of the department may cause to be counted the whole or part of the cargo or lot of oysters at the expense of the person or vessel, to determine the percentage. No oysters under one inch in length from hinge to mouth shall be counted, and each half shell of over one inch shall be counted as one.

B.(1) Under its supervision and direction, the department may permit lessees of oyster bedding grounds to fish oysters of any size, without charge, from the natural reefs of the waters of this state. Such oysters are to be used as seed oysters for bedding purposes only. The department may designate from which natural reefs oysters may be fished and the quantity to be taken therefrom by any lessee. The natural reefs may be fished for the harvest of seed oysters only each year starting the first Wednesday after Labor Day. Beginning on the second Monday in October each year, the seed grounds may be opened for the harvest of oysters for market sales in addition to the harvest of seed oysters. All harvest of oysters on the public seed grounds shall cease on April thirtieth of each year. However, the commission may extend the taking of oysters on natural reefs by setting the last day of the season if it is determined that sufficient quantities of oysters are available to accommodate such additional taking in designated areas. When setting the last day of the season, the commission shall consider the recommendations of the Oyster Task Force. The commission may designate what parts or portions of the natural reefs may be fished for oysters and it may suspend the fishing of oysters altogether from natural reefs not leased by it when such reefs are threatened with depletion as determined by the department. When designating those areas of the natural reefs that may be fished, the commission shall consider the recommendations of the Oyster Task Force.

(2) The commission shall annually set aside one or more areas east of the Mississippi River for the exclusive use of sackers. The designation of the said areas is to be based on the best available data by the department for ensuring the economic development of the fisheries. One of the areas so designated shall be located in the American Bay area east of the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish. The total areas designated shall not exceed one-fourth of the total areas of public seed grounds east of the Mississippi River. The commission may, by rule, provide for oyster size restrictions in these sacking areas.

C. No person shall take oysters from the natural reef of the waters of the state during the period beginning the day following the closing date set by the commission pursuant to Paragraph (B)(1) of this Section and ending the Tuesday following Labor Day, nor shall any person take oysters from the natural reefs during any closure of such reefs as set by the commission or department. No person shall can, shuck, or pack any oysters from the natural reefs during the closure period. This provision does not prevent any lessee of oyster bedding grounds from harvesting his own oysters and using them for personal home consumption or for sale during the time of closure.

D. Repealed by Acts 2013, No. 35, §4.

E. The commission, at one of its regular meetings, in the exercise of its duties to improve, enlarge, and protect the state-owned natural reefs of this state, and after affording industry, department personnel, and interested parties an opportunity to be heard, shall have the option, between January first and the last day of the season of each year, of closing any portion or all of the natural oyster reefs of this state to the harvest of oysters, and of setting harvesting size limits on any portion or all of the natural oyster reefs of this state, as expected conditions warrant. The commission shall notify the oyster industry of its determination by filing the information in the office of the secretary, and by notice once weekly for two weeks prior to implementation, in the newspapers of general circulation in the coastal zone.

F. The limitations as to size contained in Subsection A shall not apply to seed oysters lawfully fished from the natural reefs.

G. No provision of this Section shall prevent the department from exercising its option to close the natural grounds to all oyster fishing as provided in Subsection B, and no person shall take oysters from the natural reefs during any such closure.

H. The provisions of this Section do not apply to a lessee of private bedding grounds when harvesting his own oysters.

I. The commission shall designate the natural reefs by regulation.

J.(1) Except for a violation of the provisions of Subsection C or G of this Section, violation of the provisions of this Section shall constitute a class two violation.

(2) A violation of Subsection C or G of this Section shall constitute a class six violation. In addition to the penalties associated with a class six violation, the violator shall be sentenced to perform no less than forty hours of community service. If available, the hours shall be served in a litter abatement community service program.

Acts 1981, No. 925, §1; Acts 1987, No. 924, §2; Acts 1990, No. 1015, §1; Acts 1991, No. 496, §1; Acts 1992, No. 46, §1; Acts 1993, No. 115, §1; Acts 2003, No. 448, §1; Acts 2004, No. 211, §1; Acts 2006, No. 393, §1; Acts 2007, No. 310, §1; Acts 2008, No. 92, §1; Acts 2013, No. 35, §§2, 4; Acts 2014, No. 217, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1869 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1869
Rules and regulations
Status: in_force

The department shall adopt rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Part in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq.

Acts 1987, No. 324, §1, eff. July 6, 1987.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1855 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1855
Exceptions
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 56:1847(31), nothing contained in this Part shall be construed as repealing, superceding, nullifying, or in any manner whatsoever affecting any power, authority, or jurisdiction which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has over the West Pearl River or Bayou Channel in Pointe Coupee Parish to perform routine maintenance and dredging for navigation and flood control purposes. In addition nothing contained in this Part shall prohibit the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or the state department having authority over the scenic rivers program from entering into any contract with a private firm to dredge the West Pearl River or Bayou Channel in Pointe Coupee Parish for such purposes.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 56:1847(47) and (49), nothing contained in this Part shall be construed as repealing, superceding, nullifying, or in any manner whatsoever affecting any power, authority, or jurisdiction which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has over Bayou LaCombe and the Tchefuncte River to perform routine maintenance and dredging for navigation and flood control purposes.

C. Nothing in this Part shall be deemed or interpreted to limit, restrict, or repeal any authority granted by law to the Department of Environmental Quality concerning water quality or the Louisiana Department of Health concerning drinking water quality.

D. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, particularly the provisions of this Part, during the period of July 1, 1990 through July 1, 1991, the Sunset Drainage District of St. Charles Parish may excavate fill material from Petit Lac Des Allemands for the purpose of enlarging the existing levee within the jurisdiction of the said drainage district.

E. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, particularly the provisions of this Part, the Water District No. 3 of Rapides Parish is hereby authorized to repair or replace the Big Creek Dam in Grant Parish.

F. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 56:1847(8), nothing contained in this Part shall be construed as repealing, superseding, nullifying, or, in any manner whatsoever, affecting any power, authority, or jurisdiction which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has over the Comite River to construct the Comite River Diversion Canal and related structures, converging with the waterway near Section 10, Township 5 South, Range 1 East, of the St. Helena Meridian, for the purpose of flood control.

G. No provision of this Part shall prohibit the construction of a hurricane protection levee and associated drainage and pumping facilities within St. Charles Parish that cross Bayou Trepagnier. To the extent necessary for the construction of such levee, those portions of Bayou Trepagnier within the right of way of the levee and to the south of the levee are not subject to the provisions of this Part.

H. No provision of this Part shall prohibit any public waterworks district from performing essential repair and maintenance necessary to maintain normal operations at facilities located on an included river or stream, if such facilities were in operation at the time of such river or stream's inclusion into the Natural and Scenic Rivers system.

I.(1) Notwithstanding other provisions of R.S. 56:1853, snagging operations for drainage purposes in Bayou Chinchuba may be permitted by the department. Any such permit shall be issued in accordance with the requirements and procedures provided for in R.S. 56:1849. The department shall also consider the impact that the method of snagging and the type of equipment, proposed to be used by the applicant, may have on the natural and scenic characteristics and qualities of the bayou.

(2) No provision of this Chapter shall prohibit the construction of any bridge across the Bayou Chinchuba.

(3) Except for the prohibition on channelization and channel realignment provided for by R.S. 56:1853, the provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to those portions of Bayou Chinchuba that flow through lands subject to a conservation easement or servitude with a national or state, nonprofit membership land conservation organization which preserves the natural and scenic characteristics and qualities of the bayou in a manner consistent with the purposes and standards of this Subsection and restricts the harvesting of timber in accordance with the restrictions provided for in R.S. 56:1854.

(4) Any water quality requirements and water degradation standards pertaining to Bayou Chinchuba which may be required by this Chapter shall not be any more stringent than those which were required for Bayou Chinchuba on January 1, 1993.

(5) For any portion of Bayou Chinchuba in which the bayou has disbursed and lost its channel, the bayou shall be defined by the department to be no wider than the average width of the bayou that is outside of the portion that has disbursed and lost its channel. In such portions of the bayou, those waters lying outside of the areas defined by the department shall not be considered to be within a natural and scenic river for the purposes of this Chapter.

J. Notwithstanding other provisions of R.S. 56:1853, snagging and dredging operations for drainage purposes in the Tangipahoa River, from the Interstate 12 crossing to its entrance into Lake Pontchartrain, may be permitted by the department. Any such permit shall be issued in accordance with the requirements and procedures provided for in R.S. 56:1849. The department shall also consider the impact that the method of snagging and the type of equipment, proposed to be used by the applicant, may have on the natural and scenic characteristics and qualities of the river.

K. Notwithstanding any provisions of law or administrative rule to the contrary, no provision of this Part shall be applicable to those tracts of land located along the banks of the Tchefuncte River between Louisiana Highway No. 22 and Lake Pontchartrain which possess a commercial zoning classification granted by the appropriate local government zoning authority, nor shall the provisions of this Part be applicable to tracts of land located along the banks of such sections of the Tchefuncte River and situated between and in the same ownership as tracts of land which possess a commercial zoning classification granted by the appropriate local government zoning authority.

L. No provision of this Part shall prohibit or require a scenic stream permit for any activity performed under an official state and federal remediation and restoration plan developed for Bayou Trepagnier, when such work is required for the removal, treatment, or isolation of contaminated sediments within or adjacent to Bayou Trepagnier.

M.(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 56:1856(B)(2), the department shall permit the construction of flood control projects on Bayou Manchac that include replacing the structures at Alligator Bayou and Frog Bayou; providing a structure for constricting the backwater flow in Bayou Manchac; constructing, elevating, or protecting the road along the south side of Bayou Manchac in the vicinity of and to the west of the Alligator and Frog Bayou water control structures; or any realignment of the lower portion of Ward Creek that flows into Bayou Manchac.

(2) Notwithstanding other provisions of R.S. 56:1853, clearing and snagging, and dredging operations for drainage purposes in Bayou Manchac shall be permitted by the department in accordance with the requirements and procedures provided for in R.S. 56:1849. However, beginning May 1, 2021, through December 31, 2030, no provision of this Part shall require a permit for a local government to conduct clearing and snagging and dredging operations for drainage purposes in Bayou Manchac.

(3) No provision in this Chapter shall prohibit the construction of any bridge across Bayou Manchac.

N. Notwithstanding any other provision of R.S. 56:1853 to the contrary, on that portion of Bayou Liberty in St. Tammany Parish which lies to the north of Interstate 12, the removal of accumulated siltation and channel realignment activities for the purpose of restoring natural sinuosity may be permitted by the department. Any such permit shall be issued in accordance with the requirements and procedures provided in R.S. 56:1849. When issuing such permit, the department shall also examine the impact that the method of such work and the type of equipment proposed to be used by the applicant may have on the natural and scenic characteristics and qualities of the bayou.

O. Notwithstanding other provisions of R.S. 56:1853, clearing and snagging, and dredging operations conducted or contracted for by a political subdivision, the state, or federal government for drainage purposes in the Amite River, Tangipahoa River, Tickfaw River, Blind River, West Pearl River, Tchefuncte River, Bogue Falaya River, Abita River, and Comite River shall be permitted by the department in accordance with the requirements and procedures provided for in R.S. 56:1849.

P.(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of the law to the contrary, beginning August 1, 2018, through August 1, 2026, no provision of this Part shall:

(a) Prohibit the channelization, clearing and snagging, channel realignment, reservoir construction, or dredging operations for drainage purposes in the Comite River.

(b) Require a permit pursuant to R.S. 56:1849 for the channelization, clearing and snagging, channel realignment, reservoir construction, or dredging operations for drainage purposes in the Comite River.

(2) During the time period provided in Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, use of a motor vehicle or other wheeled or tracked vehicle on the Comite River shall be prohibited except for permitted uses and direct crossings by immediately adjacent landowners, lessees, or other persons who have written permission from the landowner to access adjoining tracts of land for noncommercial activities in a manner that does not directly and significantly degrade the ecological integrity of the stream. Written permission shall be in the person's possession and include the landowner's contact information.

Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988; Acts 1990, No. 310, §2, eff. July 8, 1990; Acts 1990, No. 311, §2, eff. July 8, 1990; Acts 1991, No. 399, §1, eff. July 10, 1991; Acts 1992, No. 190, §1; Acts 1993, No. 437, §1, eff. June 19, 1993; Acts 1993, No. 1039, §1; Acts 1999, No. 491, §1; Acts 1999, No. 823, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1142, §3; Acts 1999, No. 1269, §4; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 54, §1; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 80, §1; Acts 2002, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 66, §1; Acts 2004, No. 50, §1, eff. May 21, 2004; Acts 2004, No. 453, §1; Acts 2009, No. 370, §1; Acts 2010, No. 406, §1; Acts 2017, No. 189, §1, eff. June 30, 2018; Acts 2018, No. 163, §1; Acts 2018, No. 430, §1, eff. June 30, 2018; Acts 2021, No. 368, §1; Acts 2025, No. 249, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:48 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 48
Venue when offense committed in the Gulf of Mexico
Status: in_force

If any offense under this Chapter is alleged to have been committed in the Gulf of Mexico within the waters of the state, any district court in any parish bordering on the gulf shall have territorial jurisdiction. In addition, if any offense is alleged to have been committed in the Gulf of Mexico outside the state's territorial waters where the state holds jurisdictional authority over the fishing vessel under the provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, 16 USC 1856, any district court in any parish bordering on the gulf shall have territorial jurisdiction.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §1; Acts 1999, No. 547, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:450 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 450
Freshwater mussels; rules; penalties
Status: in_force

A.(1) The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall adopt rules, developed and proposed by the department, to regulate the harvest of freshwater mussels. Such rules shall provide for open areas, species eligible for harvest, harvest methods, permits, fees, and other provisions necessary to implement this Section. In no case shall the annual permit fee for nonresidents be less than one thousand dollars per person harvesting freshwater mussels.

(2) One-half of the total of all revenues derived from the annual permit fees required for commercial mussel fishermen and severance tax are hereby dedicated to the operation of the enforcement division of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the remaining one-half of the total of all revenues is hereby dedicated to the operation of the inland fisheries division of the department.

B. The secretary shall have the authority to revoke, deny, or limit the number of permits issued as deemed necessary for proper management, control, and protection of the freshwater mussel resource.

C. Any violation of rules pertaining to the harvest and sale of freshwater mussels shall constitute a class four violation, R.S. 56:34. Any violation of harvest reporting requirements shall constitute a class 2-B violation, R.S. 56:32(A)(2).

D. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, barter, or exchange any freshwater mussel meats. Any violation of this Subsection shall constitute a class four violation, R.S. 56:34.

E. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, there shall not be any shell dredging in Lake Pontchartrain or Lake Maurepas.

Acts 1981, No. 925, §1; Acts 1992, No. 851, §1; Acts 1993, No. 99, §1, eff. June 1, 1993; Acts 1994, No. 27, §1; Acts 2021, No. 241, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:302.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 302.1
Saltwater fishing; charter fishing
Status: in_force

A. Any person fishing in the saltwater areas of the state defined in R.S. 56:322 must purchase and possess both a basic fishing license and a saltwater license or an equivalent license that grants both basic fishing and saltwater fishing privileges.

B. As a condition of the application for and the granting of the saltwater license, all saltwater finfish caught or transported by the license holder while the license is in effect are presumed to have been taken in the waters of Louisiana.

C. A person fishing with a licensed charter guide on board the vessel may purchase a charter three-day fishing license in lieu of a basic annual recreational fishing license.

D. In addition to the license fee assessed for any recreational charter fishing license, an amount equal to seven dollars and fifty cents shall be collected and deposited into the Charter Boat Fishing Escrow Account pursuant to R.S. 56:10(B)(1)(f).

E. A person may take or possess a freshwater species of fish while in the saltwater areas designated by R.S. 56:322(B) without the necessity of a saltwater license. The commission shall promulgate by rule the species of fish classified as freshwater species. While in saltwater areas, a person possessing fish other than those designated as freshwater species shall be required to possess either a saltwater fishing license or an equivalent license that grants both basic and saltwater fishing privileges. Any species of fish that is required to be returned to the water shall be returned immediately to the water without avoidable injury from which it was taken. An enforcement agent or officer of the department may inspect a fisherman's catch to ensure compliance with this Subsection.

Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 1989, No. 246, §1, eff. June 26, 1989; Acts 1990, No. 455, §1; Acts 1991, No. 587, §1, eff. July 16, 1991; Acts 1992, No. 874, §1, eff. July 1, 1993; Acts 1993, No. 256, §1, eff. July 1, 1993; Acts 1993, No. 504, §1; Acts 1995, No. 89, §1; Acts 1995, No. 119, §1, eff. June 12, 1995; Acts 1995, No. 1029, §1; Acts 1995, No. 1039, §1, eff. June 29, 1995; Acts 1997, No. 1236, §§1, 2; Acts 2000, 2d Ex. Sess., No. 1, §§3, 4, eff. June 26, 2000; Acts 2001, No. 19, §1; Acts 2001, No. 324, §1; Acts 2001, No. 448, §1, eff. June 18, 2001; Acts 2001, No. 901, §1; Acts 2003, No. 77, §1; Acts 2008, No. 27, §1, eff. July 1, 2008; Acts 2008, No. 51, §1, eff. June 5, 2008; Acts 2009, No. 22, §§1, 2, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 289, §1; Acts 2013, No. 40, §1; Acts 2014, No. 804, §1, eff. June 1, 2014; Acts 2014, No. 811, §29, eff. June 23, 2014; Acts 2018, No. 41, §1, eff. May 10, 2018; Acts 2021, No. 356, §§3, 6, eff. June 1, 2022; Acts 2024, No. 153, §§1, 2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:496 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 496
Residence requirements; exception
Status: in_force

Any persons, firm or association operating a shrimp processing plant in this state may take salt water shrimp from the waters of this state and process them.

Any restrictions affecting non-resident persons from taking or processing salt water shrimp does not apply to the citizens of any state which grant equal privileges or licenses to the citizens of this state and which said states have entered into the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Compact under 1950 R.S. 46:41 etc.

Amended by Acts 1952, No. 627, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:699.21 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 699.21
Membership
Status: in_force

A. The Hunting and Fishing Advisory Education Council shall be established within the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to promote the many benefits of hunting and fishing among Louisiana citizens and to educate the citizens of the state on those benefits.

B. Members of the council shall serve on a voluntary basis and shall not receive any compensation or reimbursement for expenses. The council shall meet at least twice annually and shall consist of the following members:

(1) One member appointed by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation.

(2) One member appointed by the Louisiana Coastal Conservation Association.

(3) One member appointed by the Louisiana Wild Turkey Federation.

(4) One member appointed by the Louisiana Bass Federation.

(5) One member appointed by the Charter Boat Captain's Association.

(6) One member appointed by the Trapper and Alligator Hunter's Association.

(7) One member appointed by the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

(8) One member appointed by the Louisiana Outdoor Writer's Association.

(9) One member appointed by the Cajun Becasse Society.

(10) One member appointed by the Bayou State Bowhunter's Association.

(11) One member appointed by the chairman of the Senate Natural Resources Committee.

(12) One member appointed by the chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.

(13) One member appointed by the Louisiana Marine Trades Association.

(14) One member appointed by the Jefferson Parish Marine Fisheries Advisory Board.

(15) One member appointed by the director of the LSU Agriculture Center Cooperative Extension Service who is a specialist or agent assigned to fisheries or wildlife advisory work.

Acts 2001, No. 322, §1; Acts 2008, No. 580, §7.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:403 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 403
Commercial seining prohibited in Clear Lake; penalty
Status: in_force

No person shall seine fish for commercial purposes in Clear Lake, situated in the parish of Richland. The department shall take such steps as necessary to prevent the seining of fish for commercial purposes, at any time. Violation of this Section constitutes a class two violation.

Acts 1974, No. 223, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 837, §3.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:70.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 70.1
Title
Status: in_force

This Subpart may be cited as the "Louisiana Help Our Wildlife Law".

Acts 1995, No. 77, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:326.6 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 326.6
Closed season; bowfin
Status: in_force

A. The commercial taking of bowfin (Amia calva) or bowfin body parts including eggs (roe) with nets is prohibited during the months of December, January, and February. However, the provisions of this Section shall not apply to the taking of bowfin or bowfin body parts in Avoyelles, Terrebonne, West Baton Rouge, Pointe Coupee, Assumption, Iberville, and Tangipahoa parishes and the areas known as Bayou Courtableau, Bayou Teche, Lake Dauterive, Lake Fausse Pointe, Vermilion River, Carencro Bayou, Que de Tortue Bayou, Bayou Nez Pique, Mermentau River, Bayou Lacassine, Sabine River, and the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway that is bounded by the east and west levees of the Atchafalaya Basin and is south of U.S. Highway 190.

B. Violation of this Section constitutes a class three violation.

Acts 1992, No. 187, §1; Acts 1993, No. 435, §1; Acts 1995, No. 200, §1; Acts 1997, No. 874, §1; Acts 1999, No. 574, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:107 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 107
Firing, feeding and breeding grounds
Status: in_force

In order to protect wild birds and wild quadrupeds and to prevent the destruction of feeding and breeding grounds thereof, no person shall wilfully set fire to any wild woodland, marshland, or prairie land. However, this Section does not apply to the owner of the land setting such fires to clear or prepare his enclosed land for agricultural or pastoral purposes or for the purpose of improving food conditions for the wildlife found thereon. In any case, this shall be done only under permit and under the supervision of persons authorized to enforce the provisions of this Sub-part. Such authorized burning shall not be done during the breeding season of wild bird life.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:478 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 478
Demarcation line
Status: in_force

A. A line of demarcation shall be established between what is considered productive oyster areas and areas which have become nonproductive seaward of known productive oyster areas, but which can be considered productive clam areas. This line should not be of a permanent nature but flexible according to changing environmental conditions, giving the oyster preference.

B. During periods when it is unlawful to take oysters from the public seed grounds, it shall be unlawful to take clams from within the public seed grounds. During these periods clams can only be taken seaward of the line of demarcation.

The taking of clams by vessels properly licensed and permitted while engaging in normal clamming operations shall not be permitted in areas where active oyster production occurs. It shall not be unlawful to take clams incidental to the harvesting of oysters.

Added by Acts 1979, No. 616, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:410.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 410.1
Paratrawling prohibited in canals; penalty
Status: in_force

No person shall paratrawl in any canal which is part of the waters of the state. Violation of this Section constitutes a class three violation.

Acts 1988, No. 574, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1700 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1700
Clinton Confederate Cemetery, operation and maintenance; transfer to cemetery association
Status: in_force

A. The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism may enter into a cooperative agreement with the Clinton Confederate Cemetery Association, a nonprofit charitable association formed in accordance with the provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, for the operation and maintenance of the Clinton Confederate State Historic Site, also known as the Clinton Confederate Cemetery.

B. Subject to an appropriation annually to be provided in appropriations for the operations of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and specifically designated for such purpose, the department is authorized to transfer funds of not more than fifteen hundred dollars annually to the cemetery association for the performance of such operation and maintenance. The department shall include in its annual request for operating funds an amount sufficient to accomplish the obligations so transferred to the association.

C. The association shall establish rules and regulations consistent with the general laws of the state, the parish, and the town of Clinton for the operation of the cemetery, and all such rules and regulations shall be subject to approval by the office of state parks of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.

D. The association may not transfer its responsibilities for operation, maintenance, and upkeep of the historic site to any public body or to any other state chartered nonprofit corporation whose purpose shall be the proper care, operation, and management of the Clinton Confederate Cemetery, without prior approval by the office of state parks of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.

Added by Acts 1983, No. 50, §1, eff. July 1, 1983. Acts 1992, No. 828, §1, eff. July 8, 1992; Acts 1999, No. 709, §3.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:582 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 582
Distribution of fish
Status: in_force

The secretary shall distribute the fish from the state hatcheries to all sections of the state where the waters are found suited to the habits of the various species. Distribution shall be made under rules and regulations provided by the secretary.

Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:78 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 78
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to be primary research agency; advisory committee
Status: in_force

The Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior of the Government of the United States shall act as the primary research agency of the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, cooperating with the research agencies in each state for that purpose. Representatives of the Fish and Wildlife Service shall attend the meetings of the commission. An advisory committee to be representative of the commercial saltwater fishermen, the saltwater anglers, and such other interests of each state as the commissioners deem advisable may be established by the commissioners from each state for the purpose of advising those commissioners upon such recommendations as it desires to make.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:68.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 68.2
Federal enforcement; saltwater fisheries laws
Status: in_force

Commissioned law enforcement officers of the United States Department of the Interior and the National Marine Fisheries Service of the United States Department of Commerce shall have the same powers and duties as are provided for regularly commissioned officers of the enforcement division of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to enforce any and all saltwater fisheries laws and regulations under the jurisdiction of the department, to make arrests, and to conduct searches and seizures. Such federal officers shall also be granted the rights, powers, privileges, and immunities provided by this Subpart in the fulfillment of such powers and duties.

Acts 1995, No. 1316, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:638.4 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 638.4
Policy
Status: in_force

The policy of the state of Louisiana is hereby declared to be the following:

Stewardship of the state's renewable fish resources shall have as its utmost concern the continued health and abundance of the resource and its habitat, shall provide for optimum sustained benefits to the state, shall be responsive to the needs of interested and affected citizens, shall ensure the proper and fair utilization of these resources for the citizens of the state in present and future generations, shall preserve the state's exclusive right to manage the fisheries within or beyond its jurisdiction, shall be based on the best scientific and technical information available. In addition, such stewardship of the state's fish resources shall draw upon federal, state, and academic capabilities and promote efficiency in carrying out research, administration, management, and enforcement.

Acts 1991, No. 708, §1; Acts 2014, No. 553, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:301.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 301.1
License requirements; possession; nontransferability
Status: in_force

A. Persons taking fish, whether recreationally or commercially, and persons involved in the fish industry, including wholesale/retail dealers and transporters, and vessels involved in the fish industry must be licensed in accordance with this Part.

B. Persons and vessels engaged in an activity for which a license is required must have in their immediate possession and, in the case of a vessel on board the vessel, a valid, original license and shall show such license upon demand to a duly authorized agent of the department.

C. Licenses are valid in any parish and on any day of the year.

D. Except as provided in this Part, licenses cannot be assigned or transferred to, or used by, any other person or vessel than to whom issued. An officer authorized to enforce the provisions of this Part shall take possession of any license found in the possession of any person or vessel other than the one to whom issued and shall deliver it to the department for cancellation. The license is thereupon void.

Acts 1986, No. 904, §1.

{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:659 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 659
Penalties
Status: in_force

Any violation by any person, firm, or corporation of any of the provisions of this Part or the failure to comply with said provisions, including the securing of the license herein provided, shall constitute a class two violation.

Added by Acts 1958, No. 455, §9. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 837, §3.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:2025 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 2025
Composition of commission
Status: in_force

A. The district shall be governed by a board of commissioners, hereinafter referred to as the "commission", consisting of seven members selected as set out herein. Each member during his term of office shall be a citizen of the United States, a qualified voter residing within the limits of the district, and must be nominated by an association, club or non-profit corporation whose primary function relates to recreational fishing. The specific nominating entity shall be designated by a resolution of the Terrebonne Parish Council at the time that any nominations are required to be made for appointment.

B.(1) Six members shall be appointed by the Terrebonne Parish Council.

(2) One member shall be appointed by the Terrebonne Parish President.

C. Initial appointments shall be made for staggered terms as specified herein and at the termination of these initial terms of office, each term of office shall be for three years. The initial terms shall be as follows:

(1) Three members shall be appointed for one-year terms.

(2) Three members shall be appointed for two-year terms.

(3) One member, which shall be the member appointed by the Terrebonne Parish President, shall be appointed for a three-year term.

D. Any vacancy in the membership of the commission, occurring by reason of the expiration of the term for which appointed by reason of death, resignation, or otherwise, shall be filled in the manner of the original appointment. In the event that the entity responsible for the appointment of a member fails to fill a vacancy within thirty days of such vacancy, the commission shall appoint an interim successor to serve until the position is filled by the appointing entity.

E. Any member of the commission may be removed by the entity that originally appointed him for cause.

F. The members of the commission shall serve without compensation. The commission may reimburse any member for expenses actually incurred in the performance of his duties.

G. Elected officials are prohibited from serving on the commission.

Acts 1991, No. 179, §1, eff. July 2, 1991.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1948.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1948.3
Criteria
Status: in_force

The Department of Transportation and Development shall approve a byway route. To be designated as a Louisiana Byway, a road shall be evaluated as to its compliance with all of the following criteria:

(1) Potential to draw a large number of people off the principal arterial.

(2) Effectiveness of route to appeal to a varied audience.

(3) Close proximity of recreation opportunities to designated byway.

(4) An established corridor management plan.

(5) Extent of local commitment to make byway successful.

(6) At least two significant intrinsic qualities with educational, historical, recreational, cultural, natural, or archeological value.

(7) Frequency of special events and festivals along the byway route.

(8) Opportunities to further develop tourist attractions along the designated byway route.

(9) Adequate accommodations along the byway route.

Acts 1991, No. 588, §1; Acts 2003, No. 999, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:69.13 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 69.13
Rules and regulations
Status: in_force

The secretary shall adopt rules and regulations for the administration and implementation of the auxiliary enforcement program, consistent with provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act.

Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:786 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 786
Dedication of land; trespass; destruction or defacing signs; arrest
Status: in_force

After such lands have been selected for use as wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, public hunting grounds, upland game preserves, and wildlife sanctuaries, and notice of such selection and dedication published as herein provided, and after the lands have been fenced or posted as hereinabove provided, the areas thereupon become dedicated as a wildlife refuge, wildlife management area, public hunting ground, upland game preserves, or wildlife sanctuaries.

No person shall trespass upon such land or hunt, trap, snare, or take the wild animal life or game within the wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, public hunting grounds, upland game preserves, or wildlife sanctuaries contrary to commission regulation, or destroy or deface fencing or signs placed on or around the areas. A person found so doing may be arrested on sight by any wildlife agent or other authorized officer.

Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1981, No. 838, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:634 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 634
Frogs; season; jacklights; restrictions on taking
Status: in_force

A. Frogs may be taken with the aid of a jacklight or any other visible light and by means of mechanical devices known as frog catchers. A person is also permitted to take frogs with devices that puncture the skin such as gigs and spears.

B. Bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) and lagoon frogs or grunters (Rana grylio) may be taken year round except during the months of April and May.

C. No person shall take or possess large bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) that are less than five inches in length, nor take or possess lagoon frogs or grunters (Rana grylio) that are less than three inches in length. The length is measured from the tip of the muzzle to the posterior end of the body between the hind legs. However, if a special permit is obtained from the department prior to the taking, such frogs under the legal size may be taken from privately owned ponds, impoundments, or waters by the owner thereof or his authorized representative and may be sold to other persons for purposes of stocking private waters, ponds, or impoundments.

D. A violation of this Section shall constitute a class three violation, R.S. 56:33.

Acts 1992, No. 256, §1, eff. July 1, 1993; Acts 1995, No. 604, §1; Acts 2025, No. 109, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:72 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 72
Purpose of compact
Status: in_force

The contracting states solemnly agree: Whereas the gulf coast states have the proprietary interest in and jurisdiction over fisheries in the waters within their respective boundaries, it is the purpose of this compact to promote the better utilization of the fisheries--marine, shell, and anadromous of the seaboard of the Gulf of Mexico--by the development of a joint program for the promotion and protection of such fisheries and the prevention of the physical waste of the fisheries from any cause.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:116.6 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 116.6
Sound suppressors
Status: in_force

Any person who is authorized to possess a firearm sound suppressor, as evidenced by payment and possession of the required federal tax stamp issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, may use a firearm fitted with a sound suppressor when taking game birds, wild quadrupeds, outlaw quadrupeds, nutria, or beaver as provided by R.S. 56:116.1. Any person who has been convicted of a class four or greater hunting violation for a period of five years after the date of such conviction shall not use a firearm fitted with a sound suppressor pursuant to this Section. Possession or use of a sound suppressor by a person other than as permitted by this Section shall be considered in violation of this Section and shall be punished as a class six violation in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 56:36.

Acts 2014, No. 229, §1; Acts 2014, No. 378, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:2030 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 2030
Obligations of the district
Status: in_force

A. The district shall have authority to incur debt for any one or more of its lawful purposes set forth in this Chapter, to issue in its name negotiable bonds, notes, certificates of indebtedness, or other evidences of debt and to provide for the security and payment thereof.

B.(1) The district may in its own name and behalf incur debt and issue general obligation ad valorem property tax secured bonds under the authority of and subject to Part III of Chapter 4 of Subtitle II of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, when approved by a majority of the qualified voters who vote in a special election called and conducted under the authority of the Louisiana Election Code, including Chapter 6-A of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended. General obligation bonds of the district may be issued for any of the purposes for which the district is created or is authorized to act under any provisions of this Chapter, all of which purposes are hereby found and declared to be public purposes and functions of the state of Louisiana, which are delegated to the district.

(2) The district may in its own name and behalf issue revenue bonds for the purposes for which the district is created or is authorized to act under any of the provisions of this Chapter, including industrial and commercial development revenue bonds. Said bonds shall be issued in the manner as provided for in R.S. 39:991 through 1001 and R.S. 39:1011 through 1024.

(3) The district may in its own name and behalf borrow from time to time in the form of certificates of indebtedness. The certificates shall be secured by the dedication and pledge of monies of the district derived from any lawful sources, including fees, lease rentals, service charges, local service agreement payments from one or more other contracting parties, the avails of ad valorem property taxation, or any combination of such sources of income, provided that the term of such certificates shall not exceed ten years and the annual debt service on the amount borrowed shall not exceed the anticipated revenues to be dedicated and pledged to the payment of the certificates of indebtedness, as shall be estimated by the commission at the time of the adoption of the resolution authorizing the issuance of such certificates. The estimate of the commission referred to in the authorizing resolution shall be conclusive for all purposes of this Section.

(4) The district may borrow the amount of the anticipated ad valorem tax, not to exceed five mills, authorized by R.S. 56:2029, for a period not to exceed ten years and may issue certificates of indebtedness therefor and may dedicate the avails of the tax funded for the payment thereof for the period of time said certificates are outstanding.

(5) The commission, as the governing authority of the district, is authorized to adopt all necessary resolutions or ordinances which may be necessary for ordering, holding, canvassing, and promulgating the returns of any election required for the issuance of general obligation bonds, or limited tax secured obligations, or for the voting of a property tax millage, which resolutions or ordinances may include covenants for the security and payment of any bonds or other evidence of debt so issued.

(6) For a period of thirty days from the date of publication of any resolution or ordinance authorizing the issuance of any bonds, certificates of indebtedness, notes or other evidence of debt of the district, any interested person may contest the legality of such resolution or ordinance and the validity of such bonds, certificates of indebtedness, notes or other evidence of debt issued or proposed to be issued thereunder and the security of their payment, after which time no one shall have any cause of action to contest the legality of said resolution or ordinance or to draw in question the legality of said bonds, certificates of indebtedness, notes or other evidence of debt, the security therefor, or the debts represented thereby for any cause whatever, and it shall be conclusively presumed that every legal requirement has been complied with, and no court shall have authority to inquire into such matters after the lapse of thirty days.

(7) The issuance and sale of such bonds, certificates of indebtedness, notes or other evidence of debt by the district shall be subject to approval by the State Bond Commission.

(8) Such bonds, certificates of indebtedness, notes or other evidence of debt shall have all the qualities of negotiable instruments under the commercial laws of the state of Louisiana.

Acts 1991, No. 179, §1, eff. July 2, 1991.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:3007 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 3007
Dedication of license revenue
Status: in_force

A. Except as otherwise provided, funds received from the sale of licenses issued under the provisions of this Part shall be deposited into the Conservation Fund.

B. All funds received from the sale of lifetime licenses shall be deposited as provided in R.S. 56:10.3.

C. Repealed by Acts 2024, No. 153, §3.

D. An amount equal to seven dollars and fifty cents for each saltwater fishing license sold shall be deposited each year to the Saltwater Fish Research and Conservation Fund.

E. All funds from the sale of each waterfowl hunting license shall be deposited to the Louisiana Duck License, Stamp, and Print Fund.

F. An amount equal to the fees collected for each WMA access permit and daily camping permit shall be deposited into the Wildlife Habitat and Natural Heritage Trust as provided for in R.S. 56:1923 and shall be expended solely for land acquisition and for management and operations of wildlife refuges, management areas, and public hunting grounds.

G. An amount equal to seven dollars and fifty cents from the sale of each turkey hunting license shall be deposited to the Wild Turkey Fund.

H. All funds received from the sale of bear hunting licenses shall be deposited into the black bear account created within the Conservation Fund through the provisions of R.S. 56:10(B)(9).

Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022; Acts 2024, No. 114, §1; Acts 2024, No. 153, §3; Acts 2024, No. 443, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:291 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 291
Feeding of wild bears prohibited
Status: in_force

No person shall intentionally feed or attempt to feed a wild bear. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to baiting of bears by properly licensed hunters in possession of a bear harvest permit and shall not prohibit legal baiting of deer. The first violation of this Section by any person shall result in the issuance of a warning ticket only. Any subsequent violation by the same person shall be a class two violation. The Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is authorized to promulgate, under the Administrative Procedure Act, rules and regulations for the administration and enforcement of this Section.

Acts 2004, No. 164, §1; Acts 2024, No. 443, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:422 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 422
Regulation of industry; residence of persons engaging in; employment of labor and vessels
Status: in_force

A. Any bona fide resident of this state, any firm or association composed of citizens or residents of this state, or any corporation domiciled in or organized under the laws of this state, having a factory or shucking plant or places of business located within this state, may catch and take, can, pack, shuck, or deal in or transport oysters from the waters of this state, and may lease bedding grounds for the cultivation and propagation of oysters for any of those purposes within any waters within the territorial jurisdiction of the state, upon the terms and conditions and subject to the restrictions and regulations herein set forth, or under the authority which may be imposed by the commission.

B. Except as otherwise provided in this Subpart no person not a resident of or domiciled in this state shall catch, take, can, pack, shuck, or deal in, within this state, any oysters taken from the waters of this state, or lease any bedding grounds for the cultivation and propagation of oysters for any of the above purposes.

C. Any person properly licensed to operate in the oyster industry in this state may employ such labor, resident or nonresident, as required, and may employ such vessels and their crews, resident or nonresident, as required, upon the vessels being properly licensed. This right to employ nonresident labor or nonresident vessels is confined to the operation of any licensees as carried on within the state.

D. Whoever violates any of the provisions of this Section has committed a Class Two violation and shall be punished as provided for in Part II.

E. The commission may promulgate rules and regulations, including emergency rules, under the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act to provide for the operation of oyster cargo vessels. The rules shall require that each person in charge of an oyster cargo vessel shall purchase an oyster cargo vessel permit. The permit shall be issued at a cost of two hundred fifty dollars per year for residents and one thousand one hundred five dollars per year for nonresidents. The rules and regulations also may include but shall not be limited to provisions to provide for the following:

(1) Commercial oyster fishermen transferring oysters on the water to a cargo vessel.

(2) Compliance with refrigeration requirements and record requirements.

(3) Requiring the use of a vessel-monitoring system.

(4) Allowing for adequate enforcement.

(5) A violation of any rule or regulation adopted under the provisions of this Subsection shall be a Class Four violation.

(6) Funds received from issuance of the oyster cargo vessel permits being used for enforcement of the oyster laws and rules and regulations.

(7) All other provisions necessary for the implementation of this Subsection.

Acts 1981, No. 925, §1; Acts 2008, No. 321, §1, eff. June 17, 2008.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:477 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 477
Division of water bottoms
Status: in_force

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries after adequate technical review may divide the water bottoms of the state into zones for the purpose of clamming. The department in determining the number of zones may designate which and how often zones may be fished and how many clams may be taken from any zone.

Added by Acts 1979, No. 616, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1807 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1807
Cooperation of state agencies and subdivisions with secretary
Status: in_force

All state agencies are hereby empowered, authorized and directed to make available to the state liaison officer such reasonable help and assistance as the state liaison officer may request, and such agencies and subdivisions shall cooperate with the state liaison officer in carrying out the intentions and purposes of this Chapter.

Acts 1980, No. 827, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:499.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 499.1
Use of trawls in certain areas around Calcasieu Lake; use and identification of butterfly nets in certain sections of East and West Passes of the Calcasieu River, Grand Bayou, and Oyster Bayou
Status: in_force

A.(1) No person shall use a trawl for the taking of shrimp at night in the Cameron Parish sections of Calcasieu Lake, the Black Bayou System, Grand Bayou, and Little Burton's Ditch.

(2) No person shall use a skimmer net in Calcasieu Lake from one half hour after sunset until one half hour before sunrise; however, skimmer nets may be used during open season to take shrimp during the day and at night in all areas of Cameron Parish west of the western shore of Calcasieu Lake.

B.(1) Butterfly nets may be used for the taking of shrimp in Calcasieu Lake, Calcasieu River, Grand Bayou, and Calcasieu Ship Channel, all within Cameron Parish only, in the daytime and in the nighttime, during open season.

(2) All butterfly nets located in East and West Passes of the Calcasieu River in Grand Bayou, and in Oyster Bayou, all within Cameron Parish only, shall be tagged with a tag listing the fisherman's name, address, and butterfly net license number. This tag shall be attached to the net, frame, or any other structure or part directly attached to the net or frame in such a manner that it is above the water at all times. This tag shall be of readable size, easily visible, and with letters at least three inches high and of appropriate width.

(3) When a butterfly net located in West or East Pass of the Calcasieu River, in Oyster Bayou, or in Grand Bayou, all within Cameron Parish, is not being fished, all of the following shall apply:

(a) Any object to which the net is attached or mounted solely for purposes of fishing, including but not limited to any unmanned boat or vessel, floating platform, pontoon, or barge, shall be moved from the waterway and relocated adjacent to the shoreline in a manner which shall not present an obstruction or hazard to navigation.

(b) Any anchor or weight used to secure in the waterway the net or any object to which it is attached or mounted solely for purposes of fishing, including but not limited to any unmanned boat or vessel, floating platform, pontoon, or barge, shall be removed from the waterbottom.

(c) Any rope, line, chain, or other device used to connect to the shoreline the net and any object to which it is attached or mounted solely for purposes of fishing, including but not limited to any unmanned boat or vessel, floating platform, pontoon, or barge, shall be prohibited. However, the prohibition expressed herein shall not apply when such rope, line, chain, or other device is being used to secure, when not in use, such net and any object to which it is attached or mounted adjacent to the shoreline in a manner which shall not present an obstruction or hazard to navigation.

(4) Any butterfly net, whether or not it is being fished, that is not marked for identification so that the person owning or responsible for such net can be identified shall be considered contraband. Any agent finding the contraband butterfly net shall immediately seize and take it into custody and may obtain from a judge of any court in the parish where the butterfly net was found, an ex parte order forfeiting the contraband and ordering its destruction. An agent of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or authorized employee who seizes items as provided in this Paragraph is immune from liability and from suit for a seizure and destruction of a butterfly net.

C. Violation of the provisions of this Section constitutes a class two violation.

Added by Acts 1954, No. 251, §1. Amended by Acts 1966, No. 190, §1; Acts 1981, No. 837, §3; Acts 1985, No. 918, §1; Acts 1985, No. 872, §1; Acts 1986, No. 397, §1, eff. July 2, 1986; Acts 1986, No. 1077, §1, eff. July 17, 1986; Acts 2007, No. 296, §1; Acts 2009, No. 360, §1, eff. July 6, 2009.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:84 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 84
Continuance of compact; renunciation; notice
Status: in_force

This compact continues in force and remains binding upon each compacting state until renounced by act of the legislature of such state, in such form as it may choose. Renunciation shall not become effective until six months after the effective date of the action taken by the legislature. Notice of renunciation shall be given to the other states party hereto by the secretary of state of the compacting state so renouncing upon passage of the act.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:2022 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 2022
Purpose
Status: in_force

The purpose of this Chapter is to promote and facilitate effective establishment and maintenance of artificial reefs in the waters of Terrebonne Parish.

Acts 1991, No. 179, §1, eff. July 2, 1991.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1932 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1932
Project selection board
Status: in_force

A. The program shall be governed by a project selection board composed of the following members:

(1) The governor or his designee.

(2) The executive assistant to the governor for coastal activities or his designee.

(3) The lieutenant governor or his designee from the office of state parks.

(4) The commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry or his designee.

(5) The secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality or his designee.

(6) The secretary of the Department of Conservation and Energy or his designee.

(7) The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or his designee.

(8) The speaker of the House of Representatives or his designee.

(9) The president of the Senate or his designee.

B. The members of the board representing the Louisiana Legislature shall be nonvoting members.

C. The project selection board shall elect a chairman at its first meeting each year. The chairman shall serve a one-year term and may be reelected by the board.

D. The project selection board shall make all final determinations regarding the selection of projects for funding under the program.

Acts 2022, No. 714, §2, eff. June 18, 2022; Acts 2023, No. 150, §22, eff. Jan. 10, 2024.

NOTE: Pursuant to R.S. 56:1936, the Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program terminates July 1, 2033.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:3000.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 3000.1
Reimbursement of revenue reductions
Status: in_force

A. This Section shall apply only to those free and discounted recreational hunting and fishing licenses that are issued on or after July 1, 2024.

B. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall be reimbursed from the state general fund for any lost revenue resulting from the issuance of free and discounted recreational hunting and fishing licenses in an amount equal to the discounts issued.

C. The department shall maintain an accounting of lost revenue and shall include the amount of lost revenue in its annual budget request submitted pursuant to Subpart A of Part II of Chapter 1 of Subtitle I of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.

D. The accounting maintained pursuant to Subsection C of this Section shall be subject to inspection and audit by the legislative auditor.

Acts 2024, No. 449, §1, eff. July 1, 2024.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:697 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 697
Special fund
Status: in_force

For the payment of the additional salary provided by R.S. 56:696, there is hereby created a special fund in the treasury of the state of Louisiana, to which the appropriations hereinafter made shall be credited, and the funds so credited shall be used solely for the payment of such additional salary as provided in R.S. 56:696.

Added by Acts 1975, No. 314, §1, eff. July 17, 1975.

{{NOTE: CONTINGENT REPEAL - SEE NOTE FOLLOWING §695.}}
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:638.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 638.3
Purposes
Status: in_force

A. In order to implement the objectives and purposes of this Subpart, the commission shall:

(1) Take timely action to conserve, manage, protect, and sustain fish species.

(2) Promote the use of sound conservation, management, and sustainability principles in the regulation of commercial and recreational fishing.

(3) Actively advocate, on behalf of the fish constituency, improvement of or no net loss of the functionality and value of the fisheries' habitat and estuary.

(4) Provide for the preparation and implementation of fish management plans, including plans for habitats, estuaries, and their supporting ecosystems, in accordance with this policy that will prevent overfishing and will achieve and maintain plentiful fish populations to ensure, on a continuing basis, the optimum yield from each fishery while ensuring its sustainability.

(5) Recognize that fish populations are subject to both natural and man-induced increases and decreases, and that changes in harvest levels may need to be recommended. If changes are required, these increases and decreases should be distributed among all fishermen in a fair and equitable manner that considers among other factors historical usage, ensuring that no historical user groups will be arbitrarily excluded.

B. A sustainable fishery is one that is scientifically monitored and actively managed to be viable today and in the future, conserving fish and their environment and supporting the communities and economies that depend upon these resources.

Acts 1991, No. 708, §1; Acts 2014, No. 553, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:804 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 804
Lake Catherine and Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary
Status: in_force

A. There is hereby created the Lake Catherine and Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary for fish, shrimp, and other seafood and marine life, to be comprised of the waters of Lake Catherine, and its passes, the Rigolets, Unknown Pass, and Chef Menteur, and that portion of Lake Pontchartrain as follows: the whole area from where the Rigolets and Chef Menteur Passes enter Lake Pontchartrain extending in a westerly direction to a point one and one-quarter miles west of the Southern Railway Bridge, being all of Lake Pontchartrain and its tributaries lying east of the Southern Railway Bridge, and all that portion of Lake Pontchartrain extending out one and one-quarter miles from shore along the Orleans Parish shoreline to the Jefferson-Orleans Parish line, and that area of Lake Pontchartrain along the north shore extending out one and one-quarter miles from shore and running from the Southern Railway Bridge to a line drawn between a point one and one-quarter miles southwest of Goose Point and Goose Point.

B. The taking of fish, shrimp, and other seafood from the waters of the Lake Catherine and Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary by use of trawls, skimmer nets, butterfly nets, seines, or traps or other netting, with the exception of cast nets, drop nets, or scoop nets, is hereby prohibited. However, nothing in this Section shall be construed to prohibit the spearing of fish by any skin diver, operating for sport, while submerged in the water, and using standard underwater spearing equipment.

C. The taking of legal catfish by means of legal hoop nets or legal slat traps in the sanctuary is authorized. The use of crab traps in the sanctuary is authorized. The use of legal trawls, skimmer nets, and butterfly nets is authorized in open seasons in the area of the sanctuary located south and east of the Interstate 10 bridge.

D. The sanctuary created herein shall be administered by the Fish and Game Section of the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission or its successors.

E. Fish, shrimp, and other seafood and marine life may be caught or taken from the waters of the sanctuary by any method other than those prohibited above, including by skin divers operating for sport, while submerged in the water, and using standard underwater spearing equipment, during the seasons and in accordance with regulations now or hereafter prescribed by the legislature or by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries of the state of Louisiana appertaining to these waters or to the other waters of the state generally.

F. Any violation of any provision of this Section shall be punishable by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisonment for not more than sixty days, or both. In addition, any gear or catch seized in connection with the violation shall be forfeited.

Acts 1999, No. 892, §1; Acts 2007, No. 296, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:498 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 498
Size limit
Status: in_force

A. During the spring open season defined in R.S. 56:497(A), there shall be no limitation as to count on any saltwater shrimp taken or held in possession.

B.(1) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the possession count on saltwater white shrimp for each cargo lot shall average no more than one hundred whole specimens to the pound. This possession count shall be determined by counting the number of shrimp contained in two random separate three-pound samples taken from each cargo lot of shrimp. The first sample shall be taken and counted by an agent of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the second sample shall be taken and counted by the fisherman. The average number of specimens from the combination of these two samples shall be used to determine the count per pound. A "cargo lot" as used herein shall mean a container, basket, box, chest, bin, hole, or storage compartment in which shrimp are kept for transport. However, during the time period from October fifteenth through the third Monday in December, there shall be no possession count on saltwater white shrimp taken or possessed. Such count shall apply to the taking or possession of such shrimp aboard a vessel, except for shrimp that are documented as having been legally taken in other states or countries and imported into this state.

(2) When more than fifty percent by weight of the saltwater shrimp taken or possessed is sea bobs or brown shrimp, then the maximum allowable amount of undersized white shrimp taken or possessed shall not exceed ten percent by weight of the total saltwater shrimp taken or possessed.

C. The restriction as to count provided in R.S. 56:498(B)(1) shall not apply to "sea bobs" (Xiphopeneus Kroyeri), also called "six barbes".

D. There shall be no size limit on bait shrimp taken in the manner prescribed in R.S. 56:497(B).

Amended by Acts 1950, No. 544, §1; Acts 1958, No. 53, §5; Acts 1962, No. 452, §4; Acts 1984, No. 586, §1; Acts 1989, No. 85, §1, eff. June 16, 1989; Acts 1989, No. 489, §1, eff. July 1, 1989; Acts 1991, No. 946, §1; Acts 1992, No. 619, §1, eff. July 2, 1992; Acts 1993, No. 443, §1, eff. June 9, 1993.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:69.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 69.3
Commissions and commissioning
Status: in_force

A. The secretary may commission auxiliary agents under the provisions of this Subpart to supplement the efforts of wildlife agents to the degree necessary to adequately protect the state's wildlife and fishery resources. However, at no time shall there be more than fifty active commissioned auxiliary agents.

B.(1) The secretary shall have the sole authority to commission auxiliary agents, and to revoke the commission of any auxiliary agent as provided in this Subpart.

(2) No commission shall be issued for a period greater than one year but may be renewed as provided by R.S. 56:69.7.

C. The secretary shall develop plans and procedures for implementing, administering, and managing the auxiliary law enforcement program which shall include requirements that each auxiliary agent:

(1) Perform his duties under the supervision or direction of a wildlife agent within the enforcement division.

(2) Be evaluated on an annual basis.

(3) Perform his duties for a minimum of twenty-four hours per month.

(4) Provide evidence of insurance coverage pursuant to R.S. 56:69.12(C).

Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:551 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 551
Harvest and sale of crabs
Status: in_force

A. Harvest and sale of crabs produced in private artificial earthen reservoirs may be carried out at the time desired by the grower, and with seines or tackle selected by the owner. Commercial fish farm producers shall be entitled to transport, without restriction, on the public roads and highways of this state any and all equipment, except any electric fish shocking devices, necessary for the harvest of domesticated fish produced in privately owned waters.

B. The fish farmer may harvest and sell any species of crab or other crustacea that has been grown or stored in his private artificial reservoirs with prior approval of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission and under the regulation established by the Commission.

C. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the Parish of Orleans.

Added by Acts 1970, No. 309, §§1, 2. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 838, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:432.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 432.1
Oyster Lease Acquisition and Compensation Program
Status: in_force

A. The legislature hereby acknowledges potential conflicts between the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries oyster leasing program and the Louisiana coastal restoration program provided for in R.S. 49:214.1 et seq. Therefore, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority shall develop a program, subject to the requirements and conditions of this Section, for the acquisition of and compensation for oyster leases or portions of oyster leases upon which occurs or will occur dredging, direct placement of dredged or other materials, or other work or activities necessary for the construction or maintenance of a project for integrated coastal protection.

B. The state of Louisiana, through the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, may acquire any oyster lease, in whole or in part, due to the impact of dredging, direct placement of dredged or other materials, or other work or activities necessary for the construction or maintenance of a project for integrated coastal protection.

(1) Acquisition shall be implemented by a notice of acquisition issued to the leaseholder. Such notice shall specify the acreage acquired and the effective date of the acquisition. A plat or map depicting the acreage acquired shall be attached to the notice. The notice and acquisition shall be subject to the following:

(a) The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority shall issue any such notice in writing to the leaseholder at his address on file with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on the date of issuance, by hand delivery or certified mail, return receipt requested. If the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority attempts such issuance at least once and is unable to deliver the notice to the leaseholder, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority shall reissue the notice to the lessee at his address on file with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on the date of the re-issuance, by regular mail, and shall publish in the official journal for each parish in which the acquired acreage is located a summary of the notice including identification of the affected acreage, the effective date of the acquisition, and a contact person at the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority for all inquiries regarding the acquisition. The notice of acquisition may be recorded in the public records of any parish in which the acquired acreage is located.

(b) The acquisition shall be effective on the date specified in the notice of acquisition regardless of whether the lessee actually receives the notice of acquisition. Upon the effective date of the acquisition, possession of the affected acreage shall revert to the state, free and clear of any lease or other obligation or encumbrance.

(c) Lease payments as otherwise required by R.S. 56:428 or 429 shall no longer be payable for the acquired acreage for the calendar year after the date on which the notice of acquisition was issued.

(d) Upon acquisition of a portion of leased acreage, the lease shall continue in full force and effect as to the remaining acreage under the lease.

(2) The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority shall determine the compensation for any acquisition pursuant to this Section in accordance with rules or regulations adopted by that department after consideration of recommendations by the Louisiana Oyster Task Force, subject to the following:

(a) The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority shall issue its determination of compensation to the leaseholder together with the notice of acquisition and by the same procedure provided for issuance of such notice.

(b) The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority shall consider any reasonably confirmable data or information provided by the leaseholder or any other person in making its determination of compensation, provided that the data or information is submitted in compliance with rules or regulations promulgated by that department prior to the date of initial issuance of the determination of compensation. Such rules or regulations shall provide the leaseholder at least sixty days in which to submit such data or information before the initial issuance of the determination of compensation.

(3) The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority shall issue payment to the leaseholder in the full amount of its determination of compensation, except for and less any amount due on recorded liens and encumbrances to be paid out of said proceeds, together with the notice of acquisition, and by the same procedure provided for issuance of such notice. Acceptance of such payment shall not preclude any claim for additional compensation, as provided in this Section. If the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is unable to contact the leaseholder by the procedure provided in Subparagraph (1)(a) of this Subsection, that department shall transfer funds in the amount of the determined compensation except for and less any amount due on recorded liens and encumbrances to be paid out of said proceeds, to a trust account, instead of attaching such payment to the reissued notice. Upon request of the leaseholder listed with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on the date notice of acquisition is initially issued, any such compensation may be withdrawn from the trust account for the benefit of the leaseholder. Any funds placed in a trust account that remain unclaimed after a period of five years shall be declared to be abandoned and may be disposed of pursuant to the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, R.S. 9:151 et seq. Any amount due on a recorded lien or encumbrance shall be paid directly to the holder thereof, with a copy of all documentation of such payment issued to the leaseholder. If the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is unable to contact the holder of the lien or encumbrance, that department shall transfer funds in the amount of the lien or encumbrance to a trust account, from which it may be withdrawn for the benefit of the lien or encumbrance holder.

(4) To the extent that the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority acquires any lease or portion thereof under this Section in relation to any project or action for integrated coastal protection performed by any department, agency, board, commission, or political subdivision of the state other than the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, such department, agency, board, commission, or political subdivision shall compensate the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority for all costs incurred by the department which are associated with the acquisition. However, the executive director of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority may waive this requirement.

C. A leaseholder whose lease is acquired in whole or in part may seek an administrative hearing through the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority as to whether the acquisition due to the impact of dredging, direct placement of dredged or other materials, or other work or activities necessary for the construction or maintenance of a project for integrated coastal protection is proper or whether the compensation issued by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority satisfies the rules or regulations of that department. A leaseholder whose lease is not acquired but which was impacted by dredging, direct placement of dredged or other materials, or other work or activities necessary for the construction or maintenance of a project for integrated coastal protection has occurred, may also seek an administrative hearing through the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to determine if acquisition of the acreage would be proper. Adjudication under this Section shall be conducted in accordance with the following:

(1) Adjudication under this Section must be requested in writing and received by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority within sixty days after issuance of the notice of acquisition, determination of compensation, or payment as provided in Subsection B of this Section. However, adjudication of the amount of the compensation must be requested in writing and received by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority within two years after completion of the project for which the lease or portion of the lease was acquired, if the leaseholder establishes that notice of the acquisition, determination of compensation, or payment was not issued as required in this Section. Adjudication of the lack of acquisition of leased acreage upon which dredging, direct placement of dredged or other materials, or other work or activities necessary for the construction or maintenance of a project for integrated coastal protection has occurred must be requested in writing and received by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority within two years after completion of the project.

(2) Adjudication under this Section shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 13-B of Title 49 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 and pursuant to the rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Conservation and Energy after consideration of recommendations by the Louisiana Oyster Task Force. The administrative law judge shall consider any reasonably confirmable data or information provided to that department by the leaseholder or any other person on or before the date of the administrative review.

(3) The final decision of the administrative law judge shall be issued to the leaseholder by certified mail at his address on file with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on the date of issuance or at such other address as the leaseholder may specify in his request for administrative review.

(4) A request for an adjudication shall have no effect upon the validity of the acquisition of the lease, but only the compensation payable to the lessee. However, the acquisition may be found invalid if an adjudication is sought timely and the project or action for which acquisition is sought does not further coastal protection, conservation, or restoration.

D. A leaseholder may seek in accordance with the following, judicial review of the final decision of the administrative law judge based solely on the administrative record and, except as otherwise provided in this Section, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 13-B of Title 49 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.

(1) Any petition for judicial review pursuant to this Subsection must be filed with the Nineteenth Judicial District Court within sixty days after issuance of the final decision of the administrative law judge. No petition for judicial review may be filed, and any such petition is premature, unless adjudication has been timely sought and all administrative remedies have been exhausted. The petition shall be served upon the executive director of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and all parties of record.

(2) A request for judicial review shall have no effect upon the validity of the acquisition of the lease, but only the compensation payable to the lessee. However, the acquisition may be found invalid if review is sought timely and the project or action for which acquisition is sought does not further coastal protection, conservation, or restoration.

E. No funds from, or dedicated to, the Louisiana Wildlife Conservation Fund established by Article VII, Section 10-A of the Constitution of Louisiana shall be obligated or expended in furtherance of or for any purpose of this Section. However, funds paid to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries expressly for the purposes of this Section may be expended accordingly.

Acts 1997, No. 1314, §1; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 107, §1; Acts 2006, No. 425, §1, eff. June 15, 2006; Acts 2009, No. 523, §4, eff. July 10, 2009; Acts 2012, No. 604, §4, eff. June 7, 2012; Acts 2023, No. 150, §22, eff. Jan. 10, 2024; Acts 2025, No. 458, §10, eff. Oct. 1, 2025.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:632.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 632.3
Licenses
Status: in_force

A. All persons engaged in the collection of native reptiles and amphibians for noncommercial purposes must possess one of the following licenses:

(1) A resident must possess a basic recreational fishing license.

(2) A nonresident must possess a basic nonresident fishing license.

B. A violation of this Section is a class one violation.

Acts 1992, No. 256, §1, eff. July 1, 1993; Acts 1995, No. 604, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:69.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 69.1
Purpose
Status: in_force

A. Law enforcement is an important tool in effective wildlife and fisheries management. Louisiana's extensive natural resources and the large numbers of resource users cause enforcement to become especially critical. However, costs associated with enforcement often prevent the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries from providing enforcement adequate to meet needs.

B. The purpose of this Subpart, then, is to create and to provide a means whereby auxiliary enforcement agents can supplement the efforts of wildlife agents of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:653 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 653
Information to accompany applications; annual fee
Status: in_force

A. The application for such a license shall be accompanied by a fee of four hundred twenty dollars to be the annual charge for the issuance of such license, and shall be further accompanied by information as to both of the following:

(1) The location and description of the premises, including a legal description of the land.

(2) Copies of parish or ward maps with the area or areas clearly outlined and a description of the facilities thereon, together with the interest of the applicant therein.

B. It shall further be accompanied by information on the applicant as to his place of residence or, if a corporation, the place of incorporation, and the location of its principal place of office, and if a partnership, the names and addresses of each partner, the address of its principal office, together with full details as to the intended operations on said hunting preserve. Also, the applicant shall further furnish to the commission any additional information required or which may be requested by said commission.

Added by Acts 1958, No. 455, §3; Acts 1988, No. 87, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:86 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 86
Commission powers to be no limitation on state powers
Status: in_force

Any powers granted in this Part to the commission shall be regarded as in aid of and supplemental to and in no case a limitation upon any of the powers vested in the commission by other laws of the state of Louisiana, by the laws of the states of Florida, Texas, Mississippi, or Alabama, by the Congress of the United States or by the terms of the compact.

Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1762 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1762
Powers and duties
Status: in_force

A. That park in the city of New Orleans known as Audubon Park is placed under the control and management of the Audubon Park Commission created in R.S. 56:1761. The commission shall take charge of and shall supervise the park as a natural resource and preserve and improve it for public recreation and use as a place of public resort, recreation, and pleasure. The commission shall have full charge of the control and management, repair, maintenance, development, and improvement of the park.

B. For the purposes of this Part, Audubon Park shall be defined as that park located within the Sixth District of the city of New Orleans which consists of that property formerly administered by the Audubon Park Commission created by Act No. 191 of 1914. Without limiting this property, it shall include the former Foucher Plantation as conveyed by act before M.L. Ainsworth, Notary Public, on August 15, 1871 and registered in the Orleans Parish Conveyance Office in COB 100, folio 187 and 181 on August 16, 1971 1 ; it shall include that property known as Avenger Field. It shall not include that certain piece of ground situated in the Sixth District of the city in square designated by the number "60" bounded by Felicia Street, St. Charles Avenue, Walnut Street and Foucher Estate, now Audubon Park, which said piece or portion of ground measures 28 feet front on Felicia Street, by 831 feet in depth and 14 feet in the rear.

C. In order to carry out its duties and functions the commission may:

(1) Adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out its functions and implement the procedures of this Part.

(2) Establish, maintain, operate, and control park recreational and entertainment facilities and activities in the park, including but not limited to a zoo.

(3) Enter into contracts with private individuals, firms, or corporations for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of park recreational and entertainment facilities and activities in the park.

(4) Charge and collect from contracting parties rentals for the use of park property.

(5) Charge and collect for the enjoyment and/or use of such park recreational and entertainment facilities and activities such admissions, charges, or fares as in the judgment of the commission are fair and proper.

(6) Ensure that in the use and enjoyment of every portion of Audubon Park and Zoo and all of the facilities therein there will not be any discrimination against any person because of disability, age, race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

(7) Affirmative action shall be taken to ensure that all employees of the commission and of any entity with whom the commission contracts for services shall be treated during employment without regard to their race, age, disability, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Acts 1983, No. 485, §1, eff. July 27, 1983; Acts 2014, No. 811, §29, eff. June 23, 2014.

1 SO IN ENROLLED BILL.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1763 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1763
Contract for operation of park and zoo
Status: in_force

A. The commission is hereby vested with authority to and may contract with any nonprofit or not for profit firm, corporation, or entity for the operation, care, control, and management of the park and its zoo.

B. Any contract that the commission may enter into in accordance with Subsection A of this Section may be either a contract, lease, or combination contract and lease.

C. The commission shall in its sole discretion determine the terms, conditions, and duration of any contract or lease entered into under the provisions of this Section. Any contract or lease entered into by the commission under the provisions of this Section shall contain a provision in such contract or lease that the contract or lease may be terminated by the commission, with or without just cause, upon written notification to all parties in the contract or lease, which notification shall be given not more than ninety days prior to the termination.

D. Only a firm, corporation, or entity that is organized under the laws of the state of Louisiana shall be eligible to contract with the commission under the provisions of this Section, and only a firm, corporation, or entity that is organized as a nonprofit or not for profit firm, corporation, or entity shall be eligible to contract with the commission under the provisions of this Section.

E. The provisions of Chapter 10 of Title 41 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 shall not be applicable to any lease or contract entered into under the provisions of this Section.

F. The provisions of Chapter 10 of Title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 shall not be applicable to any lease or contract entered into under the provisions of this Section.

G. This Section shall be construed to grant the commission the authority to contract in a cooperative endeavor for the care, control, and management of the park and its zoo, including all facilities located in the park on the effective date of this Section and any future facilities located in the park.

H. The commission shall have the right to assign any contracts that the former Audubon Park Commission created by Act No. 191 of 1914 may have on the effective date of this Part to any contracting party under the provisions of this Section.

I. The commission shall have full authority to delegate to the nonprofit entity its ability to collect any rents, charges, admissions, or fares it may be empowered to collect.

J. The contractor shall have the full authority to hire its own employees to provide services formerly provided by the employees of the Audubon Park Commission created by Act No. 191 of 1914.

K. Any contract entered into under the provisions of this Section shall be deemed to be a cooperative endeavor under the provisions of Article VII, Section 14(C) of the Constitution of Louisiana.

Acts 1983, No. 485, §1, eff. July 27, 1983.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:305.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 305.3
Temporary transfer of commercial gear licenses
Status: in_force

A. A valid commercial gear license may be transferred for temporary use only to a person holding a valid commercial fisherman's license and having the same residency status as indicated on the license being transferred. Gear licenses that require qualification shall not be transferred and may only be used by the person to whom it was issued.

B. A commercial gear license used by a person not holding a valid, original commercial fisherman's license and using gear under privilege of the commercial fisherman's license is subject to revocation.

C. Violation of any of the provisions in this Section constitutes a class 2-B violation.

Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 2004, No. 95, §1; Acts 2021, No. 241, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1853 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 1853
Prohibited uses
Status: in_force

Channelization, clearing and snagging, channel realignment and reservoir construction of those rivers and streams included within this system are hereby prohibited. Violations of the provisions of this Section constitute a class six violation, R.S. 56:36.

Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988; Acts 1999, No. 1269, §1, eff. July 12, 1999; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 54, §2; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 80, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:675 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 675
Reciprocal agreement; statewide application; taking or protection of fish, other aquatic life, wild quadrupeds, or wild birds
Status: in_force

The commission may enter into reciprocal agreements with the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas pertaining to seasons, creel limits, bag limits, and all other rules and regulations pertaining to the taking or protection of any species or sex of fish, other aquatic life, wild quadrupeds, or wild birds in any area within the boundaries of the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas.

Added by Acts 1968, No. 492, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1984, No. 843, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 56:52 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 56 / Section 52
Issuance of search warrants
Status: in_force

Judges of the city courts, district courts, and federal courts, and United States magistrates shall, within their respective jurisdictions, upon proper oath or affirmation, and upon probable cause shown, issue search warrants in aid of the enforcement of the laws or regulations under the jurisdiction of the commission and the department.

Acts 1985, No. 876, §3, eff. July 23, 1985.