Louisiana’s menhaden industry plays a critical role in the state’s coastal economy, providing jobs and generating millions in economic impact. Together, the industry supports over 2,000 direct and indirect workers, providing good wage jobs in rural coastal communities and contributing $25 million to state and local economies. In a state where commercial fishing is a backbone of our culture, these jobs help keep coastal communities alive.

At the same time, we recognize our responsibility as stewards of the Gulf menhaden resource and have taken proactive steps to ensure the sustainability of our fishery.

While net tears and fish spills are extremely rare, we acknowledge such incidents are unacceptable. That’s why we’ve invested in cutting-edge technology to further reduce occurrences. Over the past four years, the industry has made 65,000 fishing sets, of which only 44 experienced net tears—a minuscule 0.067% incident rate.

Net tears are largely caused by sharks which strike the nets attempting to access the captured fish inside them. The significant increase in the shark population along the Louisiana coast has resulted in an increased incidence of net tears in recent years.

Innovation is Driving Sustainability, Not Additional Regulations

Westbank Fishing, a key operator in the industry, recognizing this growing issue, worked with net manufacturers globally to identify a suitable solution.

Westbank Fishing invested $1.8 million to trial new ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene Spectra/Plateena netting, which is a revolutionary fiber which is ten times stronger than nylon.

Between 2018 and 2023, Westbank Fishing had experienced eight net tears, all of which were when using the industries traditional nylon nets. All but one of these net tears occurred at distances greater than 1 mile from Louisiana’s regulatory fishing line.

Since adopting the Spectra/Plateena nets in May 2023, Westbank Fishing has completed over 15,000 fishing sets without a single net tear. Building on this success, the company is investing another $900,000 in 12 new Spectra/Plateena nets for the 2025 fishing season.

Data shows that industry innovation – not unnecessary spatial restrictions like extended buffer zones – is key to reducing fish spills. Industry-led innovation has proven to be the most effective way to reduce fish spills, demonstrating that targeted technological solutions are more effective than broad, one-size-fits-all spatial restrictions.  

Industry-Wide Adoption of Smarter Fishing Technology

After seeing Westbank Fishing’s success, Ocean Harvesters will fully transition to Spectra/Plateena nets for the 2025 season and beyond. This investment reinforces the menhaden fishing industry’s ongoing commitment to innovation and responsible fishing practices. While the industry has already achieved an exceptionally low incident rate, we continue to invest in cutting-edge technology to further reduce fish spills and improve sustainability.

The industry’s commitment to sustainability has drawn attention from regulators and policymakers. Last year, then-Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Madison Sheahan, along with LDWF executive staff and the Enforcement Division, toured Westbank Fishing’s operations in Empire, LA, for a first-hand look at its fishing practices. A highlight of Secretary Sheahan’s visit was the inspection of Westbank Fishing’s state-of-the-art Spectra/Plateena netting—nearly ten times stronger than traditional nylon nets and now the exclusive material used by the company.

“Commercial fisheries are vital to the Louisiana economy,” said Secretary Sheahan following the tour. “As Secretary, it is my duty to the people of Louisiana and to the Department to understand the industries within Louisiana regulated by the Department to ensure the health of our fisheries and the habitats needed to support them. I am grateful for the first-hand experience of one of our state’s toughest jobs.”

The Louisiana commercial menhaden industry has proven that sustainability is best achieved through proactive investment and technological advancements. We remain committed to working alongside regulators, scientists, and the broader fishing community to ensure a balanced, science-based approach to fishery management—one that protects both our coastal environment and the livelihoods of the hardworking men and women who depend on this resource. Together, we can secure a future where economic growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. By continuing to invest in cutting-edge solutions, we can protect both Louisiana’s working coast and its fisheries – ensuring long-term sustainability without sacrificing economic opportunity.