The state of Louisiana supports 30 percent of the coastal wetlands found in the contiguous 48 states, including the largest swamp in the nation (the Atchafalaya). The state’s location on the Gulf of Mexico and its large system of rivers also helps to create a habitat for a great number of species, such as the largest wading bird colony in North America, as well as fish and mussel species. Unfortunately, the state wildlife action plan has identified 240 rare or declining wildlife species and conservation priorities, primarily in open water, marine and riverine areas. Conserving these resources is vital to the ecological and economic health of the state as more than 670,000 hunters and anglers reside in Louisiana and contribute approximately $176 million a year in state and local taxes. To that end, the Louisiana Wildlife Action Plan is taking a habitat-based approach to conserve these rare or declining species and habitats and creating a strategy that insures Louisiana continues to be one of our great aquatic resources for generations to come.
Louisiana State Wildlife Action Plan
More about conservation in Louisiana
SARP Contact: Gary Tilyou, Chief, Inland Fisheries, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES (ANS)
LOUISIANA ANS Management Project
Current Status of ANS Management Plan: Completed and in implementation stage.
SARP ANS Contact: Brac Salyers, Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries
For more information: http://www.wlf.state.la.us/pdfs/about/08-April_25_newsletter.pdf
SARP ANS Coordinator: Marilyn Barrett-O’Leary
SOUTHEASTERN INSTREAM FLOW NETWORK (SIFN)
Louisiana Instream Flow Project
Current Instream Flow Policy: None other than 7Q10 for water quality permits
SARP SIFN Contact: Heather Finley, Instream Flow Coordinator, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
SIFN Coordinator: Marilyn Barrett-O’Leary