The Recreational Fisheries Research Institute (RFRI) launched Louisiana’s first-ever redfish stock enhancement program. This effort is a response to Louisiana’s most recent red drum stock assessment, highlighting ongoing declines in redfish populations from overfishing, hurricanes, and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. AFTCO donated $25,000 to kickstart the program along with a number of other very important partners like the CCA, in order to ensure this stocking initiative will replenish depleted habitats and advance Louisiana’s fishery sustainability goals.
A Science-Driven Approach
RFRI’s initiative includes the plan to release approximately 100,000 two-inch redfish fingerlings across coastal Louisiana in 2025. This large-scale release will be supported by cutting-edge genetic monitoring led by the University of Southeastern Louisiana. This groundbreaking genetic tagging method genotypes parent fish and tracks their offspring throughout their lifecycle using a fin clip. This technique has a 96%+ accurate detection rate, and there’s no physical tagging required, handling stress, or need to improve tracking reliability. With genetic tagging, the potential for stock enhancement conservation success is promising.
Leadership and Vision
This initiative aligns closely with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) forward-thinking vision for modernizing fisheries management. Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida have already succeeded with hatchery-based stock enhancement programs that have bolstered local fish stocks and sustained recreational fisheries.
AFTCO’s former chairman, Milt Shedd, was responsible for founding the HUBBS SeaWorld Research Institute and played a key role in the formation of its California based white seabass hatchery. We are proud to support early efforts of this needed hatchery effort in the state of Louisiana.
What’s Next?
This program will ultimately be a partnership between for profit and not for profit entities. Unlike traditional government-funded projects, this program depends on support from the angling community and environmentally conscious businesses to meet its ambitious $300,000 first-year budget. RFRI’s redfish stock enhancement program marks a pivotal step toward securing the future of Louisiana’s iconic redfish fisheries. Visit RFRI.net, email RFRI@charter.net, or call 504-415-7186 for more details. Additional details on the program are below.
Stock Enhancement Timeline
Fall 2024 - Broodstock Collection
Adult redfish were collected from both sides of the Mississippi River and transported to the hatchery facility. These fish, known as broodstock or parent fish, are essential for producing the next generation of redfish for release into Louisiana waters.
December 2024 – Quarantine & Maturation
After collection, the broodstock underwent a quarantine process to ensure they were disease-free and healthy.
From there, the stock moved into the hatchery’s 150-day maturation program, where environmental conditions like temperature and lighting are optimized to prepare them for spawning.
May 2025 – Spawning
These fish will be in peak spawning condition, allowing hatchery staff to produce and raise juvenile redfish for a summer release into Louisiana’s coastal waters.
Summer 2025 – Stocking
Initial stocking events are set for these three sites:
o The Rigolets
o Grand Isle
o Lake Calcasieu
The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Louisiana will spearhead these high-profile events, ensuring angler and community engagement.
Regular updates, event details, and progress reports will be available through RFRI.net.
Valued Supporters
RFRI extends its deepest gratitude to the sponsors already committed to restoring Louisiana’s redfish populations:
• AFTCO
• Air Products
• CCA Louisiana
• Louisiana Charter Boat Association
• Pat Fitzmorris & The AZBY Fund
• Westbank Fishing
These supporters have laid the foundation for this groundbreaking conservation effort, demonstrating how public-private collaboration can drive meaningful environmental change.
