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Garofalo (HB 1160) Act No. 540
New law requires the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to establish a program to increase
and elevate professionalism in the commercial crab industry. Requires the program to
include education in the proper fishing techniques necessary for the health and sustainability
of the species; proper techniques for the best capture and presentation of the crabs for
marketability; proper instructions regarding the placement, tending, and maintenance of crab
traps to reduce potential conflicts with other user groups; and authorizes the program to
include an apprenticeship program. Requires that the professionalism program be
established no later than Nov. 15, 2014, through rules promulgated pursuant to the
Administrative Procedure Act.
New law provides that beginning Nov. 15, 2014, and applicable to license year 2015 and
thereafter, no person can be issued a commercial crab trap gear license unless that person
qualifies under one or both of the following provisions:
(1)The person possessed a valid commercial crab trap gear license during any two
license years between 2011 and 2014.
(2)The person has enrolled in and completed the program to increase and elevate
professionalism in the commercial crab industry established pursuant to the
provisions of R.S. 56:305.6.
Effective upon signature of governor (June 5, 2014).
(Amends R.S. 56:305.6)