A $1 million study found more than 30,000 redfish died as bycatch in Louisiana’s 2024 menhaden harvest, sparking calls for tighter fishing rules to protect the state’s red drum population.
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A study in Louisiana, costing $1 million, has revealed that last year, tens of thousands of redfish, or red drum, perished after being unintentionally caught by the menhaden fishing industry in the Gulf of Mexico.
The findings have reignited discussions about how industrial fishing affects one of the state's most valuable sport fish.
LGL Ecological Research released a report in June, revealing that the 2024 menhaden season captured approximately 44,593 redfish as bycatch. Out of that number, 30,142 redfish perished—either released as deceased or detained in custody. It indicates that almost 68 percent of redfish inadvertently captured in menhaden nets did not make it.
The recent study, initiated by officials in Louisiana, revealed that bycatch constituted 4.57 percent of the total menhaden catch. LGL estimated that only 3.4 percent of all redfish taken from the Gulf originated from menhaden bycatch—a conclusion that industry leaders assert bolsters their argument that the menhaden fishery has a minimal impact on the decline of redfish populations.
“In response to assertions made by advocacy groups, the evidence is unequivocal: Louisiana's menhaden industry is NOT responsible for the decline of red drum,” states a message on LAmenhaden.com, a platform representing the state's menhaden processors.
However, there are differing opinions from conservation organizations. The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP), an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable fishing access, emphasized that the study underscores the necessity for reforms, regardless of the seemingly minor percentage involved.
“For Louisiana, this is significant because redfish and other sportfish aren’t merely fish—they’re a fundamental part of the state’s $3.7 billion recreational fishing economy,” wrote Jaclyn Higgins of TRCP. “The loss of redfish as bycatch—particularly those of breeding size—results in a double blow for Louisiana: first, in the depletion of the fish population, and second, in the economic opportunities that slip away.”
Higgins emphasized the need for Louisiana to implement more uniform guidelines for bycatch release and consider imposing limitations during critical bycatch periods. “The evidence is undeniable: implementing improved bycatch reduction technology and utilizing data-driven insights for location or seasonal fishing strategies could significantly mitigate this issue,” she stated.
Supporters of the menhaden fishing industry assert that it is both sustainable and properly regulated. In contrast, conservationists contend that even small bycatch losses could jeopardize the recovery of redfish and impact the livelihoods associated with recreational fishing.
Authorities announced that the state will evaluate the study’s results before determining if new regulations for menhaden are necessary.
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