According to Nola.com, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission recently approved a proposal that would cease all crab fishing for 90 days over the next three years.
Jeff Marx, a crustacean biologist in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries noted that the crab harvest in Louisiana is too high, and the overall health of the species needs to be protected.
In addition, the harvest of immature female crabs throughout the year would be completely restricted, unless said crabs show signs of imminent molting.
However, Whitney Curole, a crab buyer from Des Allemands, stated that any kind of closures would hurt the industry and those employed in it.
Peter Gerica, a member of the Blue Crab Task Force, supports the passing of the measure.
The measure demands that commercial crabbing shut down for 30 days beginning the third Monday in February, during years 2017, 2018, and 2019.