Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited two men for allegedly using skimmers during a closed season on July 14 in Plaquemines Parish.
Agents cited Hai Van Tong, 68, and Thoai Pong, 69, both of Buras, for using skimmers in a closed season.
Agents responding to complaints of illegal shrimping in the Buras area stopped a vessel with Tong and Pong on board and seized 3,130 pounds of shrimp. The shrimp were sold at the dock.
Using skimmers in a closed season carries up to a $950 fine and 120 days in jail plus forfeiture of anything seized.
In addition for the first conviction of shrimping during the closed season, the court may revoke or suspend the violator's trawl, skimmer, or butterfly gear licenses for one year from the date of the conviction. During such revocation or suspension, the violator may be present on a vessel harvesting or possessing shrimp or possessing a trawl, skimmer, or butterfly net only if the vessel is equipped with and employs an operating vessel monitoring system which is accessible to LDWF. The violator may also have to perform 40 hours of community service.
Agents involved in the case are Senior Agent Travis Bartlett and Agent Blaine Wagner.