Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement division agents cited four individuals for alleged commercial shrimping violations in Plaquemines Parish on April 26.

Agents cited Todd Stechmann, 47, of Meraux, Samuel Shano, 36, of Braithwaite, Seth Lion, 22, of St. Bernard, and Terrance Wilson, 43, for using skimmers during a closed shrimp season.  Stechmann was also cited for improper running lights.

Agents were on patrol in the area of Black Bay in Plaquemines Parish when three vessels were located several miles inside an area that was closed to shrimping.  The inside shrimp season closed in December of 2019.

Agents seized a total of 175 pounds of shrimp and sold them to the highest bidder.

Using skimmers during a closed shrimp season carries up to a $950 fine and 120 days of jail.  The court may also revoke or suspend the violator's trawl, skimmer, and 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 court may also sentence the violators to perform 40 hours of community service.

Operating a vessel with improper running lights brings up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail.