To: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Shrimp Task Force
 Re: Opposition to Proposed Closure of State Waters up to the 3-Mile Line During Inside Closure Periods

We, the undersigned stakeholders of Louisiana’s commercial shrimping industry—including harvesters, dock owners, processors, distributors, and supporting businesses—strongly oppose any proposed regulation or agenda item that would extend the closure of inshore shrimping grounds to include offshore areas out to the 3-mile state water line.

Such a measure would have devastating economic and social consequences for thousands of families and businesses dependent on uninterrupted access to these waters during the critical portions of the season when inside waters are already closed.

The current system balances sustainability and industry viability. Extending the closures without thorough economic, environmental, and stakeholder impact assessments would jeopardize the delicate equilibrium supporting Louisiana’s fishing communities.

We respectfully urge the Shrimp Task Force and LDWF to maintain current access to offshore state waters for shrimp harvesters during inside closure periods and to engage transparently with industry participants in decision-making.