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Committee advances Atchafalaya Basin study and fisheries limits after short debate
Summary
The committee reported SCR 29 (study of Atchafalaya Basin water quality and sediment) and SB 111 (bass and crappie bag/size limits for the basin) favorable; sponsor cited sediment-driven declines in bass and department staff said they will monitor populations and creel surveys.
Senator Kleinpeter introduced SCR 29, proposing a joint legislative committee to study water quality in the Atchafalaya Basin and its impacts on fish populations. The sponsor said sedimentation driven by upstream levees is degrading habitat and contributing to declines in bass and crappie.
SB 111, filed by the same sponsor, would set bass and crappie bag and size limits specific to the basin. An amendment finalized a five-fish bass limit with a 12‑inch minimum. Cole Garrett of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries told the committee the department will conduct creel and population sampling and provide data-based recommendations for future adjustments if necessary.
Representatives asked about monitoring and statutory permanence; witnesses said putting limits into statute requires future legislative action to change them but that the department will continue population monitoring to inform any revisions. The committee moved both measures favorably.
SCR 29 and SB 111 were reported favorable and will proceed to the floor for further consideration.
