reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:303.4. Commercial fisherman's sales receipt form

RS 56:303.4 - Commercial fisherman's sales receipt form
The commission shall develop, design, establish, adopt rules and regulations for, and implement, pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, a commercial receipt form to be used by wholesale/retail seafood dealers who purchase fish from commercial fishermen, soft shell crab shedders, and fresh products licensees. In addition to information otherwise required by law, commercial fishermen, wholesale/retail seafood dealers, crab shedders, and fresh product licensees shall provide such information as determined by the commission to be necessary to properly manage the fishery resource of the state, including information required by the commission to prepare stock assessments and other information required by the legislature.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 1987, No. 779, §1; Acts 1990, No. 441, §1; Acts 1997, No. 376, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1338, §1; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 130, §1; Acts 2001, No. 28, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:303.5. Presumptions relative to fish caught by person possessing a commercial fishing license

RS 56:303.5 - Presumptions relative to fish caught by person possessing a commercial fishing license
A. As a condition of the application for the granting of a commercial fisherman's license, all saltwater fish caught or transported by a vessel the operator of which is in possession of a valid Louisiana commercial fishermen's license shall be deemed to have been taken in the waters of Louisiana, and nothing to the contrary shall be claimed.
B. As a condition of possessing a commercial fisherman's license on a fishing trip on board a vessel taking, transporting, or possessing finfish for commercial purposes or in a quantity in excess of a recreational limit, all finfish on board shall be deemed to have been taken for commercial purposes. All finfish on board the vessel are subject to all applicable seasons, limits, regulations, restrictions, and size requirements.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 2004, No. 96, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:303.6. Oyster harvester license

RS 56:303.6 - Oyster harvester license
A.(1) Each captain of a vessel harvesting or possessing oysters in state waters must purchase an oyster harvester license at a cost of one hundred dollars for residents and four hundred dollars for nonresidents.
(2)
Repealed by Acts 2021, No. 356, §6, eff. June 1, 2022.
B. The revenues generated from this license shall be deposited into the Oyster Resource Management Account.
C. The provisions of this Section shall apply to commercial fishermen and shall not apply to recreational oyster fishermen taking no more than two sacks a day in accordance with R.S. 56:424(C).
D. Beginning in license year 2017 and thereafter, any person applying for an oyster harvester license shall have completed the oyster harvester education program within the previous three years. The oyster harvester education program shall be developed by the department, promulgated under the Administrative Procedure Act by the commission, and implemented by the department for the purpose of developing professionalism in the oyster harvest industry. The oyster harvester education program shall include training in the Louisiana Shellfish Sanitation Program, Chapter 3 of Part IX of Title 51 of the Louisiana Administrative Code, "Preparation and Handling of Seafood for Market". In addition, the oyster harvester education program shall include best practices for conservation of the species.
Acts 1989, No. 516, §2; Acts 1990, No. 874, §1; Acts 1991, No. 788, §1; Acts 1992, No. 638, §1; Acts 1997, No. 419, §1; Acts 2016, No. 276, §1, eff. May 27, 2016; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021; §6, eff. June 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:303.7. Transport and sale of the catch

RS 56:303.7 - Transport and sale of the catch
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.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:303.8. Special apprentice license; commercial taking of saltwater fish; requirements

RS 56:303.8 - Special apprentice license; commercial taking of saltwater fish; requirements
A. The commission shall provide for the obtaining of a special apprentice license for the authorized commercial taking of saltwater fish.
B. The cost of obtaining the special apprentice license shall be one-half the cost of the regular commercial fisherman's license or permit.
C. The requirements for obtaining the license shall include:
(1) That the applicant shall remain engaged in the fishing activity for at least two years as an apprentice to a person who possesses a valid regular commercial fisherman's license and permit issued by the department, and who is engaged in the commercial taking of saltwater fish by approved methods. The applicant will agree to being aboard the vessel with his mentor while engaged in the fishing activity under this permit.
(2) That the applicant shall meet qualifying fishing income criteria necessary to obtain a license and/or permit for the apprentice program within the two-year apprenticeship. Income may be made from any commercial fishing activity while accompanying a licensed commercial fisherman.
D. The special apprentice license shall authorize, under the same conditions as the regular license or permit, the commercial taking of saltwater fish by the apprentice during the period for which it is valid. The special apprentice license shall be valid for one year.
E. At the end of the two-year period, the holder of a special apprentice license may apply for a regular commercial fisherman's license or permit for spotted sea trout, rod and reel, mullet, or restricted species as provided in R.S. 56:325.4.
F. A person who holds or previously held a commercial fisherman's license, or who has been convicted of a class three or greater violation, shall be precluded from applying for an apprentice license under the provisions of this Section.
G. The commission shall adopt rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Section.
Acts 1997, No. 1413, §1, eff. July 15, 1997.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:303.9. Presumption of fish used for commercial purposes only

RS 56:303.9 - Presumption of fish used for commercial purposes only
As a condition of granting wholesale licenses, retail licenses, or transportation licenses, all fish in the possession on the premises of the licensed facility or licensed vehicle shall be deemed to be used for commercial purposes only.
Acts 1997, No. 670, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:303.10. Repealed by Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 54, §2, eff. April 29, 1998.

RS 56:303.10 - Repealed by Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 54, §2, eff. April 29, 1998.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:304. Vessel license; fees; place of purchase

RS 56:304 - Vessel license; fees; place of purchase
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:304.1. Vessel license; license year; purchase period

RS 56:304.1 - Vessel license; license year; purchase period
A. A vessel 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.
B. A vessel 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.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:304.2. Operation by person not holding a commercial fisherman's license

RS 56:304.2 - Operation by person not holding a commercial fisherman's license
A. It is unlawful for the owner of a commercial fishing vessel licensed under this Subpart to permit any person not holding a valid, original commercial fisherman's license to operate such licensed vessel while the vessel is engaged in commercial fishing or while the vessel is possessing fish for sale in the waters of the state.
B. A vessel engaged in commercial fishing and operated by a person not possessing a valid, original commercial fisherman's license subjects the vessel owner to revocation of the vessel license and seizure of the vessel and all fish and equipment thereon.
C. Violation of any of the provisions in this Section constitutes a class 2-B violation.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 2021, No. 241, §1.
NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:304.3. Registered vessels

RS 56:304.3 - Registered vessels
A commercial fishing vessel is considered registered under the laws of this state and for purposes of Section 306 of the Magnuson Fisheries Conservation and Management Act whenever the vessel is licensed pursuant to this Subpart, is owned or operated by a person licensed under this Part, or whenever the vessel is used to bring fish into the state or its coastal waters or to fish for, take, catch, or transport fish that come into the state or its coastal waters.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:304.4. Display of license

RS 56:304.4 - Display of license
Unless specifically provided for elsewhere, vessel licenses and license numbers shall be displayed in accordance with rules and regulations of the department.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:304.5. Transferability; change of vessel name

RS 56:304.5 - Transferability; change of vessel name
A. Vessel licenses are not transferable except as provided by rule or regulation of the department.
B. The name of a vessel for which a vessel license has been issued cannot be changed without prior notification to the department.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:305.1. License year; place of purchase; purchase period

RS 56:305.1 - License year; place of purchase; purchase period
A. A commercial gear 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.
B. A commercial gear 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. Commercial gear licenses shall be issued only by the department during normal working hours and may be purchased in person at any department district office, at the department's Baton Rouge office, or at any other location designated by the department.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.
NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:305.2. Applicant, license information; commercial gear license for the fishing of menhaden

RS 56:305.2 - Applicant, license information; commercial gear license for the fishing of menhaden
A. Except as provided by Subsection D, a commercial gear license can only be purchased by a person possessing a valid commercial fisherman's license.
B. Except as provided by Subsection D, commercial gear licenses will only be issued in the name of the purchaser and shall list the purchaser's name, address, and license number of the purchaser's commercial fisherman's license.
C. The licensee is responsible for all activities taking place under privilege of the license.
D. For the purpose of a commercial gear license for the fishing of menhaden or other herring-like fish, the commercial gear license may be issued to any person, association, partnership, corporation, or any other entity recognized by law.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 1997, No. 4, §1, eff. May 17, 1997.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:305.3. Temporary transfer of commercial gear licenses

RS 56:305.3 - Temporary transfer of commercial gear licenses
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:305.5. Commercial gear license for gill net; permits to be used in the EEZ; dedication and expenditure of funds collected

RS 56:305.5 - Commercial gear license for gill net; permits to be used in the EEZ; dedication and expenditure of funds collected
A. All revenues generated from the issuance of commercial gear licenses for gill nets or permits issued under Subsection B of this Section to be used in the saltwater areas of the federal exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the freshwater areas of the state shall be deposited to the Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Fund to be used solely for costs associated with the issuance of commercial fishing licenses and for the enforcement of laws regulating wildlife, fish, and other aquatic life in the coastal zone of the state.
B. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall promulgate rules and regulations for the issuance of permits to persons authorized to possess gill nets, trammel nets, strike nets, and seines within the territorial boundaries of the state while traversing state waters to and from the federal exclusive economic zone.
Acts 1991, No. 887, §1, eff. Nov. 1, 1991; Acts 1995, No. 1316, §2; Acts 1997, No. 527, §1, eff. July 3, 1997.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:305.6. Commercial crab fishing; apprentice license; requirements

RS 56:305.6 - Commercial crab fishing; apprentice license; requirements
A. The commission shall establish a program to increase and elevate professionalism in the commercial crab industry. Such professionalism program shall include education in the proper fishing techniques necessary for the health and sustainability of the species; proper techniques for the best capture and presentation of the crabs for marketability; proper instructions regarding the placement, tending, and maintenance of crab traps to reduce potential conflicts with other user groups, and may include an apprenticeship program. The professionalism program shall be established no later than November 15, 2014, through rules promulgated pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act.
B. Beginning November 15, 2014, and applicable to license year 2015 and thereafter, no person shall be issued a commercial crab trap gear license unless that person qualifies under any of the following provisions:
(1) The person possessed a valid commercial crab trap gear license during any two license years between 2011 and 2014.
(2) The person possessed a valid wholesale/retail seafood dealer's license and can demonstrate crab landings through trip ticket submissions during any two years between 2011 and 2014.
(3) The person has enrolled in and completed the program to increase and elevate professionalism in the commercial crab industry established pursuant to the provisions of this Section.
Acts 1995, No. 873, §1; Acts 2004, No. 831, §1, eff. July 12, 2004; Acts 2014, No. 540, §1, eff. June 5, 2014; Acts 2015, No. 209, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:305.7. Rod and reel gear license eligibility; class three or greater violations; prohibitions

RS 56:305.7 - Rod and reel gear license eligibility; class three or greater violations; prohibitions
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, after April 29, 1998, any person convicted of a fishery-related class three or greater violation shall not be eligible to hold a commercial rod and reel gear license for a period of two years from the date of conviction. Upon a second conviction of such person for a fishery-related class three or greater violation, the period of ineligibility to hold a commercial rod and reel gear license shall be five years from the date of conviction. Upon a third and subsequent conviction of such person for a fishery-related class three or greater violation, the period of ineligibility to hold a commercial rod and reel gear license shall be ten years from the date of conviction.
Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 54, §1, eff. April 29, 1998.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:306.2. License fee; place of purchase

RS 56:306.2 - License fee; place of purchase
A.(1) The cost of the wholesale/retail seafood dealer's license is five hundred fifty dollars for residents and two thousand two hundred dollars for nonresidents. Restaurants and retail grocers may sell native reptiles and amphibians for human consumption under the provisions of this Section.
(2) The cost of the retail seafood dealer's license is two hundred thirty dollars for residents and four hundred sixty dollars for nonresidents.
(3) Validly licensed wholesale/retail seafood dealers shall not be required to obtain licenses which are required by Subpart K of Part VII of Chapter 1 of this Title entitled "Reptiles and Amphibians". However, wholesale/retail seafood dealers are required to comply with any regulations contained within those Sections of law.
B. A wholesale/retail seafood dealer's license and a retail seafood dealer's license shall be issued only by the department during normal working hours at the Baton Rouge office or at any other location designated by the department.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 1997, No. 376, §1; Acts 2006, No. 401, §1, eff. Nov. 15, 2006; Acts 2021, No. 356, §§2, 5, eff. Nov. 15, 2021; Acts 2022, No. 631, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:306.3. Wholesale/retail seafood dealer's license and retail seafood dealer's license; license year; purchase period

RS 56:306.3 - Wholesale/retail seafood dealer's license and retail seafood dealer's license; license year; purchase period
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:306.6. Monthly returns to the department by wholesale/retail seafood dealers

RS 56:306.6 - Monthly returns to the department by wholesale/retail seafood dealers
A. Each wholesale/retail seafood dealer shall, on or before the tenth of each month, make a return to the department of all commercial receipt forms representing actual transactions from every commercial fisherman during the preceding month. All commercial receipt forms submitted by a dealer shall be accompanied by a monthly submission sheet signed by the wholesale/retail seafood dealer certifying that the transactions submitted represent all of the transactions by that dealer from commercial fishermen for that particular month. Additionally, those wholesale/retail seafood dealers who shed soft shell crabs or operate soft shell crab shedding facilities shall, on or before the tenth of each month, submit to the department, on forms specified by the department, information relative to the amount of soft shell crab produced.
B. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries shall draft regulations, for approval by the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission and promulgation under the Administrative Procedure Act, prescribing procedures to preserve the confidentiality of any data, information, or statistics submitted or collected pursuant to this Section. Such regulations shall allow compliance with federal procedures as set forth by the United States Department of Commerce or its agencies for confidentiality of fishing statistics collected from individuals or firms by the Department of Commerce or its agencies.
C. All fish purchased by wholesale/retail seafood dealers from persons other than licensed wholesaler/retail seafood dealers which are not reported as required herein shall be deemed to have been illegally possessed or purchased by the purchasing wholesale/retail seafood dealer.
D. No later than January 1, 2001, the department shall have in place the capability to receive through electronic means the commercial receipt form information required to be transmitted to the department by R.S. 56:306.5(B) and Subsection A of this Section. The department shall promulgate rules to regulate the submission of such commercial receipt form information electronically. Beginning January 1, 2001, a wholesale/retail seafood dealer may submit such commercial receipt form information electronically.
Acts 1997, No. 376, §1; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 130, §1; Acts 2006, No. 401, §1, eff. Nov. 15, 2006.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:306.7. Definitions

RS 56:306.7 - Definitions
For the purposes of this Subpart:
(1) "Place of business" means the place where orders for fish are received or where fish is sold, including a vehicle if fish is sold from the vehicle, but does not include a public cold storage vault, temporary receiving station, or vehicle from which no orders are taken or no shipments or deliveries are made other than to the place of business of a licensee in this state.
(2) Person, owner, and operator shall all mean "person" as defined by R.S. 56:8.
Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 130, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:307. Transporter; license required

RS 56:307 - Transporter; license required
A. Operators and drivers of any form of commercial transport, except common carriers, who are in the act of loading, unloading, or transporting fish shall have in their possession at least one of the following licenses:
(1) A commercial fisherman's license.
(2) A wholesale/retail dealer's license.
(3) A transport license.
B. Persons who produce and harvest crawfish in private ponds or who produce and harvest catfish in private ponds shall not be required to obtain, maintain, or exhibit any license, permit, or certificate in order to transport crawfish from the place where they were produced or harvested in private ponds or catfish from the private pond to the first point of sale.
C. Transport license requirements shall not apply to fish or fish products which are the result of processing as defined in R.S. 56:8.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 1987, No. 92, §1; Acts 1987, No. 534, §1; Acts 1987, No. 779, §1; Acts 1987, No. 851, §1; Acts 1990, No. 564, §1; Acts 1995, No. 543, §2.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:307.1. Transport license fee; underlying license

RS 56:307.1 - Transport license fee; underlying license
A. The cost of a transport license is eighty-three dollars per vehicle and can be purchased only by a person holding a valid Louisiana commercial fisherman's license or valid Louisiana wholesale/retail dealer's license.
B. The transport license shall be in the name of and bear the license number of the purchaser and shall state "transport license".
C. The transport license may be applied for in the same manner and is valid for the same one-year period as that of the purchaser's license.
D. The department may also authorize the purchase of a four-year transport license at four times the cost of the annual license fee.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 2003, No. 182, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.
NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:307.2. Buying and selling prohibition by transporters; exceptions

RS 56:307.2 - Buying and selling prohibition by transporters; exceptions
A. A person transporting fish under privilege of a transport license is prohibited from buying or selling, by any means whatsoever, any species of fish.
B. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to a person transporting fish under the privilege of a Louisiana transport license purchased in connection with a Louisiana wholesale/retail dealer's license when that person buys fish for or on behalf of the wholesale/retail dealer to whom such transport license was issued and only transports such fish to that wholesale/retail dealer.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 1990, No. 261, §1, eff. July 4, 1990.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:307.3. Number of licenses that can be purchased

RS 56:307.3 - Number of licenses that can be purchased
A validly licensed commercial fisherman or wholesale/retail dealer may purchase any number of transport licenses.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:307.5. Transferability

RS 56:307.5 - Transferability
Transport licenses are freely transferable between vehicles, but the licensee remains responsible for all activities taking place under authority of that license.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:307.6. Common carriers

RS 56:307.6 - Common carriers
Common carriers are exempted from the licensing provisions of this Section, but are required to comply with R.S. 56:307.7 below.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:307.7. Shipping records

RS 56:307.7 - Shipping records
A. Shipments containing fish shall be plainly marked, the tags or certificates to show the date and names of the consignor and the consignee, with an itemized statement of the number of pounds of fish and the names of each kind contained therein. Bills of lading issued by a common carrier for such shipments shall state the number of packages which contain fish, and the date and names of the consignor and consignee, with an itemized statement of the number of pounds of fish and the names of each kind contained therein. Shipments of fish of any species and fish products shall be subject to inspection by enforcement agents of the department while in transit and upon leaving the state.
B. Information, data, and statistics obtained by the department pursuant to this Section shall be used for the equitable and efficient administration and enforcement of the laws pertaining to the fisheries resources of the state and for conservation and management purposes.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 130, §1.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:308. Penalty

RS 56:308 - Penalty
A. Violation of R.S. 56:301.1(A), (B), and (C), as applied to recreational fishermen, or violation of Subpart B of this Part constitutes a class one violation.
B. Violation of any of the provisions of this Part, except those listed in Subsection A of this Section, constitutes a class three violation.
Acts 1986, No. 904, §1.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:313. Control of fisheries; duty of commission; duty of the department

RS 56:313 - Control of fisheries; duty of commission; duty of the department
The exclusive control of the fish having a game or commercial value in the state is vested in the commission. The department shall enforce the provisions of law regulating them. All fish taken, possessed, or transported contrary to the provisions of this Subpart shall, when found, be confiscated by the department through its authorized agents.
Acts 1974, No. 223, §1. Amended by Acts 1979, No. 277, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:314. Confiscation of unlawful tackle

RS 56:314 - Confiscation of unlawful tackle
Possession or operation on the fishing grounds of illegal, unlicensed, or improperly tagged tackle is prima facie evidence that it is being used unlawfully or kept for unlawful use. Such tackle, used in operation thereof, is a public nuisance and shall be confiscated and turned over to the commission.
If the property so seized is susceptible of lawful use it shall be returned by the commission to its lawful owner within thirty days after final disposition of the charge. If the seized property is illegal per se and not susceptible of lawful use the commission shall make disposition in accordance with the order of the court having jurisdiction over the charge; provided however, that no fishing tackle, gear, rods or reels shall be seized by any agent of the commission if the sole violation is the failure of the offender to have on his person a fishing license.
Acts 1974, No. 223, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:315. Sanctuaries and propagating places; closed zones

RS 56:315 - Sanctuaries and propagating places; closed zones
The commission may set aside of itself, or concurrently with any duly authorized parish game and fish commission, suitable locations in any of the waters of the state in whole or in part, and operate and maintain hatcheries, sanctuaries, and propagating places for the protection and propagation of fish for maintaining the supply in those waters and for restocking same. Such areas shall be designated as closed zones, and fishing shall be restricted in any manner deemed advisable by the commission. In order to carry out the provisions of this section, the commission may purchase lands, build dams, expropriate property and do anything necessary to carry these provisions into effect.
Acts 1974, No. 223, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:315.1. Fish ladders

RS 56:315.1 - Fish ladders
The commission from any available funds, or concurrently with any duly authorized parish game and fish commission, may construct or place fish ladders in all lakes within the state subject to the approval of the Department of Public Works, where dam construction has caused a need therefor in order that propagating places may be reached by the fish. These lakes shall include but shall not be limited to the following: Caddo Lake.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 579, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:316. Trespass on areas set aside for propagation of fish

RS 56:316 - Trespass on areas set aside for propagation of fish
A. No person shall willfully enter into or upon any building or other structure, or any area of land or water, set apart and used by or under authority of the commission for conducting scientific experiments or investigations, or for the propagation and distribution of fish, after the commission has printed notices of such occupation and use and the purpose thereof. These notices shall be placed in a conspicuous position adjacent to the area or upon the building or other structure.
B. No person shall willfully and maliciously injure or deface any such building or other structure or any notice posted as aforesaid; nor injure or destroy any property used in such experiments, investigations, or fish propagation; or otherwise interfere therewith.
C. Violation of any of the provisions of this Section constitutes a class 2-B violation.
Acts 1974, No. 223, §1; Acts 1992, No. 528, §1, eff. June 29, 1992; Acts 2021, No. 241, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:318. Taking fish for scientific or educational purposes; permits

RS 56:318 - Taking fish for scientific or educational purposes; permits
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:318.1. Fishing tournaments; special permits

RS 56:318.1 - Fishing tournaments; special permits
A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the commission may adopt rules in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to establish special permits authorizing participants in a large tournament to possess live black bass, Micropterus spp., or its hybrids, that would otherwise fall outside of legal limits.
B. The application for the permit may be accompanied by a fee in an amount determined by the department as necessary to cover the reasonable administrative costs incurred by the department in issuing and enforcing the permit. The permit application shall be made on a standard form provided by the department and shall include the name, address, and phone number of the sponsoring organization or individual; the location and date of the tournament; total value of the prizes; and expected number of participants. The permit application shall be submitted to the department at least thirty days prior to the proposed event.
C. Permits are not transferable and shall clearly demonstrate the expiration date.
D. An employee of the department may be assigned as an observer and be present at any tournament.
E. As used herein, "large tournament" shall mean any tournament in which the number of qualified entries exceeds one hundred boats.
Acts 1997, No. 449, §1, eff. June 22, 1997.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:319. Exotic fish; importation, sale, and possession of certain exotic species prohibited; permit required; penalty

RS 56:319 - Exotic fish; importation, sale, and possession of certain exotic species prohibited; permit required; penalty
A. No person, firm, or corporation shall at any time possess, sell, or cause to be transported into this state by any other person, firm, or corporation, without first obtaining the written permission of the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, any of the following species of fish: freshwater electric eel (
Electrophorus
sp.); rudd (
Scardinius erythrophthalmus
); all members of the families
Synbranchidae
(Asian swamp eels);
Channidae
(snakeheads);
Clariidae
(walking catfishes);
Trichomycteridae
(pencil catfishes); all species of tilapia, and carp, except koi or common carp (
Cyprinus carpio
) and goldfish (
Carassius auratus
). Any fish which requires a permit under the provisions of this Subsection shall not be returned to the water if taken from state waters, and any such fish may be possessed only by properly permitted people or if the fish is dead.
B. All permits granted under the provisions hereof shall be on an annual basis except for permits issued for triploid grass carp possession and transportation for aquatic plant control. All requests for such permission shall indicate the source, number, and destination of the species named therein.
C. The provisions contained herein shall be enforced by the commission, and its decision in the granting or denial of the permission referred to herein shall be final.
D. No person shall have in possession or sell in this state a piranha or Rio Grande Cichlid; except that, piranha may be possessed and displayed at the Aquarium of the Americas, Audubon Institute, New Orleans, as authorized by a special permit issued by the department, under conditions the department deems necessary to prevent their introduction into waters of the state. Neither the permit nor the conditions and requirements thereof shall be required to be adopted pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act.
E. Violation of any of the provisions of this Section constitutes a class four violation.
Acts 1974, No. 223, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 837, §3; Acts 1981, No. 838, §1; Acts 1982, No. 94, §1; Acts 1988, No. 939, §1, eff. July 26, 1988; Acts 1990, No. 695, §1, eff. July 20, 1990; Acts 1992, No. 528, §1, eff. June 29, 1992; Acts 1995, No. 1142, §1; Acts 2003, No. 91, §1, eff. May 28, 2003.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:319.1. Control of importation of fish; department's regulatory authority

RS 56:319.1 - Control of importation of fish; department's regulatory authority
The department shall have the authority to regulate or prohibit, by rule in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, the possession, sale, or transportation of any fish into Louisiana.
Acts 1988, No. 614, §1, eff. July 14, 1988; Acts 1990, No. 196, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:319.2. Designation and taking of exotic fish

RS 56:319.2 - Designation and taking of exotic fish
The commission is authorized to designate as exotic a species of fish not indigenous to the state of Louisiana. The commission may promulgate rules under the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act to authorize the taking of exotic fish from public waters in the state under specified licenses and by specified gear. The secretary may issue permits as authorized by the commission. Such permits shall be valid for one year and shall be subject to monitoring, review, and suspension or revocation by the secretary.
Acts 2004, No. 98, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:320.1. Use and possession of certain gill nets, trammel nets, strike nets, or seines; prohibited

RS 56:320.1 - Use and possession of certain gill nets, trammel nets, strike nets, or seines; prohibited
A. No person shall use, possess, or have in his possession, or have aboard any vessel, a gill net, trammel net, strike net, or seine in the saltwater areas of the state as defined in R.S. 56:322(A) and (B), except as provided in R.S. 56:318 and 320.2.
B. A violation of the provisions of this Section shall constitute a class six violation.
Acts 1995, No. 1316, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:320.2. Federal exclusive economic zone (EEZ)

RS 56:320.2 - Federal exclusive economic zone (EEZ)
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.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:321. Elevated trotlines prohibited; civil liability

RS 56:321 - Elevated trotlines prohibited; civil liability
A. No person shall set, maintain, take, or attempt to take fish from any trotline of which any segment of the staging line measures in excess of four feet where any portion of any hook extends above the surface of the waters of any of the bodies of waters within the state of Louisiana. However, this Section shall not apply to White Lake in Vermilion Parish and Grand Lake and Lake Misere in Cameron Parish. Any violation of the provisions of this Section shall constitute a class two violation, R.S. 56:32.
B. Such action shall be considered prima facie evidence of negligence in a civil action for damages suffered by another as a result thereof.
Acts 1974, No. 223, §1; Acts 1992, No. 854, §1; Acts 1993, No, 843, §1.