South Central Planning and Development Commission is administering Wildlife and Fisheries Programs concerning recovery in Louisiana by assisting the fishing industry. For specific information, click on the appropriate program below.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, LSU AgCenter, Louisiana SeaGrant, Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board and fisheries industry leaders have contributed to the Louisiana Certified Seafood Program. This certification program aims to build a unified brand that will attract not only consumers, but also food service and seafood distribution buyers who want to ensure they are sourcing the best tasting seafood in the world – Louisiana seafood!

Certified Louisiana Seafood Website

LDWF Oyster Refrigeration Program of Department’s Seafood Technology and Equipment Program

Eligible Equipment

Refrigeration units, cooler boxes, generators and other equipment associated with refrigeration are eligible for this program. LDWF will evaluate all equipment as a complete system to ensure it will meet the refrigeration needs of the vessel.  New equipment and currently installed equipment that was purchased beginning January 1, 2010 will be eligible for reimbursement provided it meets the programs requirements.New equipment to be installed must be approved prior to purchase.

Priority will be given to vessels with refrigeration equipment installed prior to October 1, 2012.  LDWF will send letters to vessel owners it could identify as meeting this priority qualification.  The deadline to submit applications to receive this priority is January 15, 2013. Applications submitted after January 15, 2013 will continue to be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.  As funding becomes available, approved applicants will be notified on how to proceed with the purchase and installation of equipment.

LDWF Website

Our Friends – In Need

Friends of the Fishermen is the officially recognized fund of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board and created as a way to help Louisiana’s fishermen in their greatest time of need. We ask you to join us in unified support as we collectively call upon our friends and neighbors, corporations, foundations, and both non-governmental and governmental organizations to do their part.

FOF Website

You can make a donation through this link or by sending a check to:

Friends of the Fishermen Fund
c/o South Central Planning & Development Commission
5058 West Main Street
Houma, LA 70360

Please make your check payable to Friends of the Fishermen.

All donations are tax deductible.

Gulf Seafood Institute Becomes Reality with $20,000 Grant from Ocean Conservancy

Link to Article

For further information on fisheries assistance, please contact Ms. Lily Perez at 985-655-1051 ext. 4006.