§326.4.  Staggered and split seasons and quotas

A.  The legislature finds that Louisiana has a national reputation for serving unique and high quality seafood dishes, and that the availability of fresh popular fish to serve in Louisiana restaurants is important to the vitality of our culture and economy.  Further, the legislature finds that it is in the best interest of the state that the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission be authorized to set seasons and quotas for fishing in such a manner as to maximize the availability of popular fish for serving in Louisiana restaurants.  

B.  Except as otherwise provided by law, the commission, when setting seasons and quotas for taking fish, shall determine which fish are considered to be popular fish for serving in Louisiana restaurants and may split, stagger, or otherwise arrange their seasons and quotas in such a manner that some of the popular fish would be harvested and available to Louisiana restaurants throughout the entire year.  The provisions of this Subsection shall not apply to the harvesting of spotted sea trout.  

C.  The commission shall provide a forum for interested parties to provide input to determine which fish are popular fish to serve in Louisiana restaurants.  

Acts 1990, No. 492, §1.