Tagged: department of wildlife and fisheries

State wildlife and fisheries regulators have temporarily opened a section of beach along the Elmer's Island Refuge.

The open section will include the area at the end of the access road and continue about a half-mile to the east. Road access will open 30 minutes before sunrise and close 30 minutes after sunset seven days a week.

Officials said Tuesday that the temporary opening will be assessed after 10 days, and is subject to reconsideration.

Areas that will remain closed will be clearly marked.

Louisiana's Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has announced that fall shrimp season will close Friday in all state inside waters east of the Mississippi River — except for the open waters of Breton and Chandeleur Sounds.

The department said in a news release Tuesday that it extended the season in December. But current sampling by department biologists indicates that average white shrimp size in the affected waters is smaller than 100 count per pound.

The closure provides an opportunity for the small white shrimp to reach larger, more valuable sizes.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will hold a public hearing Jan. 21 on marine life and vegetation in the Caney Creek Reservoir.

The department developed a management plan for the reservoir in 2006, focusing on fisheries management and vegetation control.

The meeting will be at 7 p.m. in the conference center at Jimmie Davis State Park in Chatham.

Presentations are planned on the results of recent sampling at the reservoir.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says high water is closing most hunting seasons in the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area. They'll close Friday, with only the waterfowl season remaining open.

It says the season will remain closed until the Pearl River drops below 16.5 feet at the St. Tammany Parish town of Pearl River.

The gate at Old U.S. Highway 11, a primary access point to the wildlife management area, will remain closed until the water recedes and all roads and bridges are determined safe for vehicle passage.