LDWF Secretary Melancon Speaks to Commercial Fishermen about Making Licenses More Accessible
News Release
For Immediate Release
April 26, 2016
Contact: Rene LeBreton
Public Information
LDWF
Bourg, La. – Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Charlie Melancon was on hand here Tuesday as for the first time in seven years the LDWF sold commercial fishing licenses outside its Baton Rouge office. Located near Houma, the area in and around Bourg caters to many citizens who harvest seafood for a living.
The move is part of an effort to make commercial license sales more accessible to our fishermen. LDWF will offer licenses at select field offices during peak times of the year.
“We want to make it easier for our fishermen, especially those living in parishes that are not near our headquarters office, like lower Jefferson, Plaquemines and Calcasieu parishes,’’ Melancon said. “It is unrealistic to demand that our seafood harvesters drive to our headquarters office for their fishing license.’’
Commercial fishing licenses may be renewed each year online at www.wlf.la.gov but first-time sales must be done in-person or by mail to allow LDWF staff the opportunity to verify original documents and proof of residency.
LDWF is in the process of developing a plan to implement commercial sales in field offices across the coast during peak times of the year.
“Customer service will always be a priority at our agency, making our commercial fishing licenses more accessible to an industry already struggling in a difficult market is the least we can do,’’ Melancon said. “We want to thank Senator Norby Chabert and Representative Tanner Magee for their dedication to the commercial seafood industry in their districts, we will continue to work with our legislators across the coast to ensure we are providing the highest level of service to their constituents”.
During the 2015 license year, LDWF issued more than 67,000 commercial licenses and permits statewide to residents and non-residents. Many of these privileges are sold to fishermen living in Louisiana’s coastal parishes.
Wildlife and Fisheries licensing staff will continue to issue commercial fishing licenses from their Bourg, LA office though Thursday of this week at 468 Texas Gulf Rd., Bourg, LA.
For photos, and b-roll of todays event please contact Joel Courtney at [email protected].
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.la.gov.
