The department also told that rotenone is a naturally derived fish toxicant and is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and will biodegrade within four days within the waterways where it is used. It is said that after the removal of tilapia verified, LDWF plans to re-stock area water bodies with indigenous species. A commercial and recreational fishing closure, in effect since May 5, includes both public and private waters bounded on the north by St. Jude Road, on the east by the Mississippi River main levee, on the south by Milan Drive and on the west by the back levee of the drainage ditch.
It is informed that during the closure, no person is allowed to take or possess or attempt to take any species of fish from waters within the closed area. No person can possess while on the waters of the closed area any fishing gear capable of taking fish. The area will remain closed to fishing until reopened by the LDWF Secretary. It appears the tilapias are currently confined to an area that can be treated.
Experts explained that tilapia has the capacity to spread fast that could result in drastic environmental, recreational and economical impacts, and fishermen, both commercial and recreational, could be pathways that spread tilapia into other Louisiana waters.
