Louisiana Oyster Task Force Meeting

John Tesvich, Chairman

The following is the agenda for the Louisiana Oyster Task Force Meeting. The public is invited to attend.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014, 1 p.m.

UNO Advanced Technology Center, 2021 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 210, New Orleans

I. Roll Calland introduction of guests- The chairman called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m. Representative Lenar Whitney was introduced and Lance Broussard from DHH was introduced as the new representative on the Task Force from DHH.

Present:Absent:

Shane BagalaChip Kline

Mark SchexnayderJerome Zeringue

Tenney SibleyJakov Jurisic

Wilbert CollinsDan Coulon

Byron Encalade

Steve McManus

Karl Morgan-entered at 1:06 p.m.

Buddy Pausina- entered at 1:05 p.m

Brad Robin

Al Sunseri

John Tesvich

Sam Slavic

Peter Vujnovich

II. Approval of November 12, 2013 minutes and January 7 agenda- motion to approve minutes and accept January 7 agenda by Al Sunseri, second by Wilbert Collins, motion adopted.

III. Treasury Report

A. Oyster Tag Sales and Financial report- motion to accept by Wilbert Collins, second by Peter Vujnovich, motion adopted.

IV. Committee Reports

A. Public and Private Oyster Grounds Committee – Mr. Buddy called on DHH to LDWF to report on the sack study. Discussion was held and the agencies will get together and report back to the task force at the next meeting with more information.

B. Enforcement - no enforcements issues

F. Marketing – letters were sent to DHH and LDWF, Kristin McLaren with the Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board said that they are prepared to do the direct spend of marketing dollars for advertising. She will work with the marketing committee on this.

G. Health –

H.Sustainability-

V. Old Business

A.ISSC Conference/Proposals- Mark Schexnayder addressed the task force and discussed plans for ISSC meeting in January.

B. BP Oil Spill Remediation- Larry Marino addressed the group. 200 miles still have some degree of oil, 4 miles still heavily oiled, 10.6 miles moderately oiled. Phase I of early restoration—Lake Hermitage marsh- 660 cubic cards have been placed on the NRDA portion of that. Six cultch plants were placed over a year ago, sampling is being done at this time to see what is happening on the cultch plants. Oyster hatchery is expected to be completed in January or February. Phase II- doesn’t have anything in Louisiana, Phase III- Barrier Island Restoration and Marine Fisheries Center, draft plan was issued by NOAA and comments are being taken until February 4. Available on the LOSCO website. Public meetings will be held in January 14, Belle Chasse Auditorium, January 15 in Houma and January 16 in Lake Charles.

  1. New Business
  2. Legislation regarding weights and measures- Al Sunseri went over the highlights of the changes. Motion by Al Sunseri to send it to legislative committee, second by Wilbert Collins. Discussion of the motion was held. Al Sunseri asked that a member of the task force go out with the appropriate agency when they go to visit retailers. Motion adopted.
  1. Officer Elections- Al Sunseri would like to re-nominate the current officers (John Tesvich- Chairman, Dan Coulon- Vice Chairman) second by Sam Slavich. Motion adopted.
  1. Public Comment-
  2. Set Next Meeting- February 4- legislative committee, February 10 OTF Meeting.
  3. Adjourn- motion to adjourn by Peter Vujnovich, second by Byron Encalade. Motion adopted.

Meeting adjourned at 4 p.m.