Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited a Belle Chasse man for alleged recreational fishing violations in Plaquemines Parish on Jan. 17.
Agents cited Mot Truong, 36, for taking red snapper during a closed season, taking over the limit of red snapper, taking undersized red snapper, taking undersized grey triggerfish and taking over the limit of grey triggerfish.
Agents came into contact with Truong while on a Joint Enforcement Agreement Patrol (JEA) seven miles offshore in state territorial waters tied to an oil rig in his vessel. Truong was observed fishing on the back deck of the vessel and was stopped and inspected.
When agents boarded the vessel, Truong was in possession of 50 red snapper and 29 grey triggerfish. Of the 50 red snapper, 28 were under the minimum size limit of 16 inches and he exceeded the daily bag limit of two fish by 48 if the season was open. He also exceeded his limit on grey triggerfish by nine and 16 were under the prescribed size limit of 14 inches.
Taking red snapper during a closed season carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days of jail. Taking over the limit of red snapper and grey triggerfish and taking undersized red snapper and grey triggerfish each brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Truong also faces a civil restitution for the value of the illegally taken fish in the amount of $1,468.58.
The red snapper season closed in state waters on Dec. 31, 2014.
Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Adam Young, Lt. Scot Keller and Agent Travis Bartlett.