2007-299
L.W.F.C. PASSES NOTICE OF INTENT ON MARINE EVENTS

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission passed a notice of intent that would allow the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to permit and regulate marine events on Louisiana waterways at their Dec. 6 meeting.

Marine events are defined as an organized event of limited duration held on the water including but not limited to parades, firework displays and boat races. Marine events are also characterized by its nature, circumstances or location that will introduce extra or unusual safety hazards on the navigable waters within the state’s jurisdiction.

LDWF’s ability to permit and regulate marine events would be through a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Coast Guard and LDWF.

This notice of intent would require any individual or organization to submit a marine event application to LDWF 30 days prior to the proposed event.

LDWF’s Enforcement Division would have the ability to issue regulations to promote safety of life on waters before, during and after a marine event. They would be able to limit, exclude or restrict movement of vessel traffic before, during or after a marine event and supply patrol boats if needed.

Written comments can be submitted on this issue to Lt. Col. Jeff Mayne, Enforcement Division, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000 prior to Feb. 7.