Louisiana Crawfish Action Plan Updated December 2017 Prepared by: Audubon Nature Institute Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries (G.U.L.F.) Laura Picariello - Director
Introduction Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries (G.U.L.F.) was founded in 2012 and is the sustainable seafood program of Audubon Nature Institute, a not-for-profit network of attractions dedicated to Celebrating the Wonders of Nature. Through Fishery Improvement Projects, third-party certification, and outreach and education, G.U.L.F. is committed to the sustainability of Gulf of Mexico Fisheries This project is designed to evaluate both the wild-capture and pond-raised sectors of the Louisiana crawfish industry, identify areas of improvement, and explore options for long-term sustainability certification models. Due to the unique nature of the industry and a strong desire from participants to address both elements of the fishery, the Louisiana crawfish industry is working towards a comprehensive project that addresses both sectors of the industry. Additionally, both wild-capture and pondraised crawfish fisheries do not fall easily into the structure of existing aquaculture or wild-capture certifications. A crawfish sustainability committee composed of experts from a cross section of industry has been formed, not only to address actions towards fishery improvement, but also to explore options for certification. Participants 2
Louisiana Crawfish Sustainability Committee Dwight Landreneau, Chairman Food Safety Auditor, Riceland Crawfish Dr. Bobby Fletcher LA Dept of Ag and Forestry Dr. Robert Romaire Professor Emeritus, Retired LSU AG Center Ron Harrel LA Farm Bureau Federation Commodity Director Mark Shirley Aquaculture Agent, LSU Ag Center Jody Meche Wild Crawfish harvester, Louisiana Crawfish Promotion and Research Board Pond Raised Action Plan Summary: Most crawfish farmers follow the recommendations provided by 1) the Crawfish Environmental Best Management Practices (BMPs) established by the LSU Ag Center and endorsed by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Louisiana Farm Bureau, and 2) the Louisiana Crawfish Production Manual developed by the LSU Ag Center and the Louisiana Crawfish Promotion and Marketing Board. While these BMPs are generally utilized throughout the Louisiana crawfish farming industry, most are not formal regulatory requirements and documentation confirming implementation of these BMPs is not easily available. The largest gap for the industry at this time is on record keeping and reporting on actual practices implemented at pond facilities. ACTION 1 Supplier Commitment to BMPs Riceland Crawfish currently maintains a policy requiring that all farms they source from sign an agreement to utilize the LSU Ag Center BMPs. Riceland will continue to annually renew supplier commitments. 2016-2017 supplier commitment statements received. Riceland will update commitment documentation for 2017-2018 season. 3
ACTION 2 Pond Survey Development The Crawfish Sustainability Committee has agreed to develop a survey for farm facilities to begin documenting practices on source farms providing evidence of the implementation of the BMPs utilized at each site. The Crawfish Sustainability Committee will utilize the existing Crawfish Environmental Best Management Practices (BMPs) to develop the survey and will work with source farms to collect and maintain survey information. The Sustainability Committee reviewed a draft version of the survey at a meeting help in Eunice on June 28 and is currently finalizing revisions. Survey was developed and finalized in August 2017. View survey. Develop implementation plan (ACTIVITY 3). ACTION 3 Survey Implementation The Committee recommends implementing the survey for the 2017-2018 crawfish season as follows: 1. Riceland shall identify the top 5 pond-raised suppliers in Year 1 (2017-2018 season) to participate in the pilot survey. 2. Based on year 1 feedback the Committee will review/update the survey and Riceland will increase supplier participation across the full supply line in Years 2-3. 1. Riceland will identify the top 5 suppliers willing to participate in the year one pilot survey. Wild-Caught Action Plan Summary: In 2010, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF; charged with the management of the wild-capture sector of Louisiana crawfish) commissioned an MSC pre-assessment. This pre-assessment provides valuable guidance on the current areas to be addressed for the wild-caught sector to consider full certification. To address these challenges, a broad representative of wild-capture representatives must be formed to identify appropriate actions. 4
ACTION 1 Identify Wild-harvester Participants The Crawfish Sustainability Committee is dedicated to representing all elements of the Louisiana crawfish industry. To further develop actions for the wild-capture component of the industry, the Committee is seeking representatives from wild-capture harvesters and managers. 1. Two representatives from LDWF attended the most recent Crawfish Sustainability Committee and are working with the committee to advance the wild-capture portion of the FIP; 2-.G.U.L.F. staff participated in a field visit with a representative of the wild harvest industry in the Atchafalaya Basin to gain a better understanding of the fishery and appointed the first of two wild crawfish harvesters to the Committee - Jody Meche. 1. Confirm LDWF representative for the Committee. 2. Select second wild-capture harvester. 3. Coordinate sub-committee meeting for wild-capture representatives to review and recommend possible actions based on existing pre-assessment ACTION 2 Coordination with Louisiana Fisheries Forward on Program on wild crawfish Best Management practices (BMPs). The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, in partnership with the Louisiana Sea Grant Program have developed a voluntary education and training program for Louisiana commercial fisheries, called Louisiana Fisheries Forward, to enhance industry best practices in handling, safety, harvest, and business management. The LFF program is currently working to develop education and training materials for Inland fisheries, including crawfish. The Crawfish FIP will work to coordinate with LFF program. 1. Initial meeting with LFF Sea Grant representative on 10.18.17. 1. Coordinate meeting between LFF staff and wild-crawfish subcommittee. 5
Traceability Riceland Crawfish has also committed to participation in the Audubon G.U.L.F. Chain of custody Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). This committee is designed to develop Chain of Custody (CoC) requirements for the G.U.L.F. Responsible Fisheries Management Certification as well as explore digital traceability options for the Louisiana seafood industry. 1. The inaugural CoC TAC meeting was held on May 24, 2017. 2. The Standard was finalized October 9, 2017 and is currently in application for accreditation. 1. Explore digital traceability systems for the Louisiana seafood industry. 6