Louisiana Menhaden Bills Head to Senate as Conservation Debate Intensifies

Louisiana lawmakers could vote Monday on three major menhaden fishing bills that conservation groups say would bring more oversight to the industry. CCA Louisiana’s Rad Trascher says the bills would require vessel tracking, tougher penalties for crossing fishing boundaries, and more catch data transparency. Supporters argue large-scale harvesting near Louisiana’s coast hurts the ecosystem and impacts sport fish populations. The bills already passed the House with overwhelming support and now head to the Senate.