On March 18, 2023, LDWF Fisheries biologists deployed two habitat enhancement projects in the Saline-Larto complex – floating vegetation enclosures and Christmas tree reefs. Frequent flooding events in recent years have caused native submersed aquatic vegetation in the Saline-Larto complex to be shaded out by the high turbid water, resulting in vegetation die-off due to the lack of photosynthesis. This has reduced the available fish habitat and makes it difficult for anglers to find fish.
The biologists deployed six floating vegetation enclosures throughout the complex and filled them with native submersed aquatic vegetation. These enclosures will provide a safe haven for the vegetation against flooding events and will also act as nurseries from which seed and fragments can disperse.
Biologists also deployed a total of 50 Christmas trees in two areas of the complex. These reefs will provide additional fish habitat, attract fish and offer anglers convenient areas to target for fishing.
The tree reefs are not marked but are located at the following waypoints (given in decimal degrees):
- Little Saline Reef – 26 Trees; Coordinates: N 31.339659°, W 92.079734°
- Saline Bayou Reef – 24 Trees; Coordinates: N 31.329465°, W 92.014137°
These sportfish enhancement projects were a team effort, funded by federal Sportfish Restoration funds, state Conservation funds, funds raised by concerned citizens and donated to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation, and unused Christmas trees donated by the Houma Wal-Mart.
