NEWS
FROM THE LA. DEPT. OF WILDLIFE & FISHERIES
The Public Information Section of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife
and Fisheries is responsible for the distribution of LDWF news
releases and the department's biweekly newsletter.
2010-078
(March 2, 2010)
LDWF PARTNERS WITH LWFF TO KICK OFF GRASSROOTS TAG AND RELEASE
TOURNAMENT
AT SEAWAY MARINA ON MARCH 6
The
inaugural Louisiana Saltwater Series Fishing Tournament, hosted
by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and
the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LWFF), will open
March 6, 2010, in Lafitte, LA at the SeaWay Marina. Avid anglers
and newcomers alike are invited to participate in this one-of-a-kind
tag and release redfish tournament.
Sport fishing tournaments have a long tradition on the coastal
waters of Louisiana, but most of these tournaments are privately
sponsored. This new, innovative venture provides a competitive
angling opportunity to a broader audience. The tournaments are
not just for big name fishermen but open to all interested anglers.
Participation in this grassroots tournament provides anglers with
the opportunity to give back to the resource. LDWF personnel will
be on hand at each tournament to assist with the tag and release
of all fish. Data collected from tournament entries will serve
as a valuable tool for LDWF fisheries managers and biologists to
improve their understanding of marine sport fish movements, patterns
of habitat use and estimate population size.
“We are pleased to be part of this landmark event,” said
LWFF Executive Director Kell McInnis. “The Foundation is
always in search of new and creative opportunities to support the
department and the resources they manage.”
Contestants will vie for cash prizes and test their skill, while
enjoying the thrill of the competitive sport. In order to participate
in the series, each team must submit an application and a $200
entry fee for each event, which covers a two-man team. A third
team member may be eligible if under 16 years of age.
The 2010 series is comprised of five tournaments and one championship
event as follows: March 6 Lafitte, LA, SeaWay Marina; April 3 Dularge,
LA, Falgout Canal Marina; June 12 Delacroix, LA, Sweet Water Marina;
July 10 Empire, LA, Delta Marina; September 11, Slidell, LA The
Dock; Championship October 8 and 9 Empire, LA Delta Marina.
All tournament
proceeds will go to the LWFF and provide funding support for
the department’s
tagging program. Costs incurred by the event are funded through
grants, sponsorships and entry fees.
For complete information, including rules, regulations and entry
forms go to: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/lasaltwaterseries/.
2010-077 (March
1, 2010)
Turkey
Creek Lake Drawdown Scheduled for Early Summer
The Louisiana
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will initiate a drawdown
on Turkey Creek Lake in Franklin Parish on Saturday, May 15. The purpose for the drawdown is to strand
giant salvinia, an invasive floating plant present in the water
body.
The drawdown
will dry out and kill salvinia in the inaccessible areas of Turkey
Creek Lake that serve as nursery areas. It
is critical for the exposed lake bottom to dry out and remain in
such a state long enough to kill the aquatic fern.
During warm
weather, giant salvinia can spread at an alarming rate, in many
cases doubling in size every seven days. Herbicide
treatments are not enough to provide effective control because
of its tremendous reproductive capacity.
The drawdown
will also allow for needed work by the Franklin Parish Police
Jury to clear boat lanes and extend the Turkey Creek Park boat
ramp. Personnel from the Louisiana Department of Transportation
and Development will also use this opportunity to inspect the lake
control structure and make necessary repairs.
While the primary
purpose of the Turkey Creek drawdown is aquatic weed control,
related benefits to the sport fish population are expected. An occasional drying period is important to reduce
accumulations of organic material on the lake bottom. Increased
spawning potential will produce better fishing opportunities in
the future.
