Baton Rouge, Louisiana – The Louisiana Oyster Task Force will convene on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the New Orleans Lakefront Airport, located at 6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd. in New Orleans, LA 70126. Chaired by Mitch Jurisich, the meeting is open to the public and will be conducted in compliance with Louisiana’s Open Meetings Law under R.S. 42:11, et seq.
The Oyster Task Force plays a critical role in overseeing Louisiana’s commercial oyster fisheries, monitoring industry conditions, and providing recommendations to enhance production and saleability while addressing declines and other challenges. Comprising voting members from key stakeholder groups such as the Louisiana Oyster Dealers and Growers Association, United Commercial Fishermen’s Association, Plaquemines Oyster Association, and others—including representatives like Brandon DeBarge from Cameron Parish Police Jury and Brad Robin—the task force also includes nonvoting members from state agencies like the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), Department of Natural Resources, and Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.
The agenda for the upcoming session begins with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by roll call and introductions of guests. Members will review and approve the minutes from the January 14, 2026, meeting and the current agenda. A treasury report will cover the Louisiana Oyster Task Force financials and oyster tag sales, essential for tracking commercial harvest activities where oysters from state waters must bear official tags.
Committee reports will form a significant portion of the meeting. These include updates from the Public and Private Oyster Grounds Committee chaired by Mitch Jurisich; Enforcement led by Major Davis Madere; Legislative handled by Brad Robin; Legal involving Brad Robin and Jakov Jurisic; Research by Earl Melancon; Coastal Restoration by Capt. George Ricks; Marketing from BMF; Health from LDH; Aquaculture by Steve Pollock; and the Joint Task Force Working Group chaired by Mitch Jurisich. These committees address diverse aspects of the oyster sector, from regulatory compliance to habitat enhancement and market development.
New business items promise focused discussions on pressing issues. The task force will deliberate proposed changes to R.S. 56:428 (A) concerning oyster lease renewals in navigational areas, a topic also featured in the preceding Legislative Committee meeting. LDWF will provide an oyster season update and seek input on potential reopening dates for Sister Lake, a key area for harvest. A report from the Oyster Lease Damage Evaluation Board will detail impacts on leased grounds. Funding requests for SeaD Consulting’s seafood testing services will be considered, underscoring commitments to quality assurance. Additionally, members will discuss submitting a letter to the CDC regarding a salmonella outbreak linked to oysters, highlighting ongoing seafood safety concerns. An update on filling vacant seats, including nominations, will ensure broad representation.
Public comment will follow, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to weigh in before setting the next meeting date and adjourning.
Those unable to attend in person can participate via webinar by registering at https://wlf-la.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VsGACXQjQTaLUdnguFZ6yQ. Phone access is available by dialing 215-861-0674 with password 806520#.
Louisiana’s oyster industry relies on extensive leasing and management efforts. Oyster harvesters lease approximately 400,000 acres of state water bottoms through LDWF’s Oyster Lease Section, with a moratorium on new leases being lifted in phases. Meanwhile, public oyster grounds spanning 1.68 million acres are assessed annually through sampling, diving, dredge surveys, hydrological data, and side-scan sonar to monitor reef conditions. Regulations mandate three-year online training for harvesters, official tagging, and adherence to Louisiana Department of Health standards for safe handling and processing. Alternative Oyster Culture Permits enable innovative methods like on-bottom cages, racks, off-bottom suspensions, and longlines.
LDWF enforces these measures while supporting importation protocols and derelict gear removal. The department is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For press inquiries, contact Rene LeBreton at 504-286-8745 or rlebreton@wlf.la.gov. Accommodations for special needs should be requested at least 72 hours in advance via the same contact.
For more information, visit Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.