Louisiana Revised Statutes Tit. 56, § 571. Underutilized species; policy and purpose; permits; fees; rules and regulations

A. Recognizing the value of the seafood industry to the economy of the state of Louisiana, recognizing that the seafood industry employs hundreds of Louisiana citizens, thereby decreasing unemployment and the burden unemployment places on the state fisc, and further recognizing that the commercial fishing industry is in danger of collapsing as an industry due to escalating fuel prices, governmental regulations which have increased competition for limited state resources from non-Louisiana residents, and from rising costs of labor, fishing gear, and supplies, it is the policy and purpose of this Subpart to provide every method of encouragement and assistance to the commercial fishermen of the state of Louisiana, to protect a culture and heritage that is unique to Louisiana, to prevent unemployment of Louisiana citizens, to assure adequate food for Louisiana citizens, and to provide for economic stability in those areas of Louisiana so dependent on the seafood industry. To that end, the state shall foster and encourage its seafood industries.

B. The secretary of the department may issue permits to persons who are interested in the development of new fisheries designed to harvest underutilized species and to persons who are interested in the development of new gear and equipment to harvest fish and other aquatic species inside all fresh water and all salt water areas of the state. Permits issued pursuant to this Subsection shall be limited in duration to one year and shall be subject to monitoring, review, and suspension or revocation for cause by the secretary.

C. The secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations according to the Louisiana Administrative Procedure Act as set forth in Chapter 13 of Title 49 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, to be submitted to and approved by the respective legislative standing committees on natural resources and shall assess reasonable administrative fees for the issuance of permits and tags for equipment and gear.

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