State/Federal Waters Boundary
To easily tell if you're in state or federal waters, pull up to the nearest platform. Platforms in state waters have a placard with a state lease number. Platforms in federal waters are designated with an OCS number. You can also estimate your position by using a block map. The platform will be designated with an area and block number. For example, if you see ST-128 X, OCS 00498, you're in federal waters at South Timbalier 128 platform X.
Generally, Louisiana state waters extend 3 nautical miles from the nearest land; federal waters extend from where the Louisiana gulfward boundary ends to 200 nautical miles seaward into the Gulf of America. However, for reef fish fishery management, Louisiana waters extend to 9 nautical miles. Fishermen should stay informed of the state/federal boundary as future congressional actions may affect the current boundary demarcation as it applies to reef fish species. If a future congressional action modifies the state/federal jurisdictional boundary, it will not impact the type of fishing gear reef fish fishermen may use.
LDWF, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, and the Louisiana Legislature manage fisheries in state waters; the Gulf of America Fishery Management Council and the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration‘s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) manage fisheries in federal waters, also known as the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Federal fishing regulations are not always the same as state fishing regulations. To make sure that you are compliant with federal regulations, contact the Gulf Council at (888)833-1844 or gulfcouncil@gulfcouncil.org or visit the Gulf of America Fishery Management Council.