Louisiana under-prices its oyster leases and loopholes in state law have allowed individuals to exceed the limits, according to a performance review of the state Wildlife and Fisheries Commission conducted by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor.
The state could generate $1.29 million in additional revenue by increasing the oyster lease rate from $2 an acre to the $5.20 per acre average of five other states that harvest Eastern oysters. Legislators in 1902 set the lease rate at $1 per acre per year. In 1980, the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, which manages the state’s water bottoms, put the lease rate at $2 per acre. Louisiana’s lease rate has not changed since 1980.
Louisiana leaseholders produced more than 10,000 pounds of oysters for restaurants and seafood markets for a total market value of $40.6 million in 2013, according to the audit. Louisiana leads the nation in oyster production.
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