LRN PM Newscall February 5

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has received numerous reports of fish kills following last month’s historic low temperatures.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana officials reiterate that food caught off the Gulf Coast is safe to eat. Andrew Greenstein reports.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says last month’s artic blast has resulted in numerous fish kills. LDWF Biologist Jason Adriance says many saltwater species, such as Spotted Seatrout and Red Drum, succumbed to the cold as water temperatures dropped below 40°F for several days.

Cut 3 (11) “…kills them.” 

Adriance says LDWF has investigated over 70 fish kills statewide, with the highest Spotted Seatrout and Black Drum mortalities in the Terrebonne/Timbalier Basin and the highest Red Drum and Sheepshead losses in the Barataria Basin.

Cut 4 (13) “…pretty much state wide.”

Adriance says compared to the severe freeze of December 1989, this event was shorter and less extreme.

Cut 5 (1102) “…2014 adn 2018.”

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After more than a dozen people got sick from eating oysters collected from Area 3 in the Gulf Coast, the state is reiterating to people that seafood caught in Louisiana is safe to eat. 15 people became infected with Norovirus after eating oysters harvested in that area in the second half of January. Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Madison Sheahan says people visiting New Orleans for the Super Bowl should by no means be discouraged from eating Louisiana seafood.

Cut 6 (10) “…seafood this week.”

Sheahan says the Super Bowl is a golden opportunity for people to experience Louisiana seafood.

Cut 7 (09) “…enjoy Louisiana seafood.”

Sheahan says there’s a new state law that requires restaurants and food vendors to indicate whether their seafood was caught off the Louisiana coast.

Cut 8 (09) “…to do that.”

The Department of Health has closed Oyster Area 3 and has issued a recall for all oysters harvested from there since January 10th.

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Tighter security measures are in place today in New Orleans as more fans arrive for Super Bowl 59. No coolers, ice chests or large bags on Bourbon and surrounding streets. But handguns are allowed, because of the state’s Constitutional Carry law allows permitless conceal carry. But New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says that does not mean you can bring a gun into a bar…

Cut 9 (13)  “…alcohol.”

Kirkpatrick says they will stop people who are negligently carrying, if you have a gun in your waist band and not in a holster.

Cut 10 (12) “…but legally.”

Kirkpatrick says Louisiana’s law allows non-felon adults to conceal carry without a permit. But she says it would be unwise to bring a gun into a hospitality area…

Cut 11 (12) “…don’t mix”

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Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is warning fans about ticket scams as Big Game activities continue in New Orleans. She cautions that major events like the Super Bowl attract scammers who deceive unsuspecting buyers with fake merchandise and tickets.

Cut 12 (15) “…sanctioned merchandise.”

Murrell advises purchasing tickets only from reputable sources and verifying the seller’s identity, as scammers may use hacked social media accounts, and scammers can get personal information.

Cut 13 (08)  “…that merchandise.”

Murrill warns against deals that seem too good to be true and recommends using credit cards for purchases, as they allow charge disputes.

Cut 14 (08) “…licensed seller.”

Murrell reminds attendees the Superdome does not accept paper or PDF tickets, so buyers should ensure they receive valid mobile tickets.