Louisiana’s coastline is one of the most ecologically rich—and rapidly disappearing—landscapes in the country. Our marshes, barrier islands, and nearshore waters are home to redfish, trout, pelicans, dolphins, and countless species that depend on a delicate balance to survive. That balance is now under threat—again.

Just last year, after years of debate and negotiation, the state of Louisiana implemented a modest half-mile buffer zone off most of its coast to limit industrial-scale menhaden (or “pogy”) fishing. These factory boats use massive nets and spotter planes to vacuum up billions of these small forage fish each year—along with everything else in their path. The buffer is meant to reduce coastal damage, protect wildlife, and limit devastating fish spills near our beaches.

Now, just months after that hard-fought compromise, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is considering rolling back that buffer. There are indications that parts of our coastline could soon be exposed to menhaden operations just a quarter-mile from shore—or even less. This would be a dangerous step backward.

Menhaden may not be eaten by people, but they are the base of the food chain. Their removal in massive quantities destabilizes the entire marine ecosystem, from sportfish to seabirds. What’s more, Louisiana’s coast—already eroding faster than anywhere else in the U.S.—cannot afford more industrial pressure so close to shore.

We urge Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Chair Kevin Sagrera, the full Commission, and our state legislators to reject any proposal that weakens the current menhaden fishing buffer. Instead, our leaders should commit to strengthening protections for Louisiana’s coastal ecosystems—not rolling them back.

Let’s defend what remains of our fragile coast. The buffer zone is working. Keep it in place.

Photo: Chris Granger, The Times-Picayune