news
The Bayou Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) was awarded $35,000 from the Shell Marine Habitat Program, a special program of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation created in partnership with the Shell Oil Company Foundation. The Shell Marine Habitat Program is used to support projects that conserve, protect and enhance the Gulf of Mexico’s ecosystem. The award will be used towards the construction of a low profile limestone reef in Lake Pelto, located in Terrebonne Parish. The reef, which will be built in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service, will create a hard substance for such marine organisms as shrimp, oysters and barnacles which in turn will provide habitat for such sportsfish as red drum, speckled trout and sheepshead.
To date, Bayou Chapter CCA has spearheaded the collection of approximately $50,000 in donations towards construction of the reef. The materials will be transported and off-loaded courtesy of Caillou Towing and LeBouef Brothers Inc. The reef will enhance habitat and fisheries in the area.
"This is one of two reefs being built using private money," noted LDWF Artificial Reef Program Coordinator Rick Kasprzak. "This project demonstrates what can be accomplished when forming partnerships with a variety of groups with diverse resources. LDWF is proud to be a part of this important project."
The LDWF Artificial Reef Program, created in 1986 by the Louisiana Fishing Enhancement Act, is a cooperative effort between LDWF, the oil and gas industry, various other state and federal agencies and gulf user groups. Louisiana residents have increased fishing and diving opportunities and most importantly, valuable fish habitat is increased. For more information and specific coordinates of the proposed reef, consult the LDWF web site.
For more information, contact Rick Kasprzak at 225/765-2375 kasprzak_ra@wlf.state.la.us
Uploaded: 5/2/2001
Uploaded: 5/2/2001