Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited a subject for an alleged littering violation in Terrebonne Parish on Nov. 17.

LDWF agents cited Joshua Verdin, 42, of Terrebonne, for gross littering and interference with navigation.

Agents received a tip from the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government about a sunken vessel in downtown Houma that was blocking the majority of Bayou Terrebonne. The sunken vessel was originally marked for removal in Bayou Grand Caillou by the Terrebonne Parish derelict vessel program and was moved to Bayou Terrebonne prior to attempted removal.

Agents made contact with Verdin where he admitted to sinking the vessel intentionally in Bayou Grand Caillou. He then removed it after it was marked for removal where it was sunken again in Bayou Terrebonne. Both of these locations are public waterways.

Gross littering brings up to a $900 fine and 16 hours of community service in a litter abatement program. Interference with navigation carries up to a $50 fine.

Agents participating in this case are Senior Agent Kyle Volentine and Agent Jacob Stelly.

Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government has been taking measures to remove abandoned and derelict vessels from its waters, using grants awarded by the BoatUS Foundation. Prior to the start of their removal project, the parish had identified over 170 derelict vessels in parish waters. The parish instituted a strategic plan to improve waterway quality and enhance safety and navigation in the area.

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization promoting safe, clean, and responsible boating. The BoatUS Foundation had been awarded a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program to administer a national competitive grant program for the removal of abandoned and derelict vessels. Visit www.boatus.org/advgrant for more information.