A joint investigation between the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has resulted in numerous commercial oyster fishing federal indictments.  The grand jury for this case was held on Feb. 10 in Lafayette.

LDWF agents and USFWS agents conducted surveillance on ports in and around Calcasieu Lake looking for commercial oyster violations.  LDWF agents and USFWS agents observed multiple commercial oyster violations take place from March 1 to May 5 in 2019 on in Calcasieu Lake.

“This was a successful joint investigation that used state and federal resources to successfully gather evidence of illegal oyster activity,” said Col. Chad Hebert, head of the LDWF Enforcement Division.  “This investigation demonstrates the ability of our two agencies to work together to help protect the commercial oyster industry and the consumer.”

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement Special Agent in Charge Stephen Clark stated, “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement is committed to conduct criminal investigations with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. This Lacey Act investigation involving the unlawful harvest, and interstate commerce of oysters is no exception. We will continue to work closely with our state partners to conduct these important joint investigations.”

The evidence from the surveillance has led to the following federal indictments:

Bay Fresh Oyster Company, Inc. (“BFO”)
Adley L. Dyson, 71, of Cameron
Clarence Dyson, III, 46, of Cameron
Kirk P. Daigle, 47, of Cameron
Brandon K. Duhon, 24, of Lake Charles
Kent A. Duhon, 58, of Cameron
Robert A. Watson, 41, of Cameron
Kerwin T. Perry, 25, of Cameron
Jenson K. Griffith, 28, of Cameron
Kasey L. Mock, 28, of Cameron
Terry W. Dickens, 41, of Cameron
Phillip C. Dyson, 59, of Cameron
Phillip C. Dyson, II, 38, of Cameron

The violations that LDWF agents and USFWS agents found include falsifying records, over the limit of oysters, violating oyster tagging requirements, failing to report oysters as required, harvesting oysters during illegal hours, failing to refrigerate oysters within the required time, failing to possess a Calcasieu Lake Harvest Permit, harvesting oysters in a closed area.

BFO purchased the illegally harvested oysters at their Cameron location and transported them to their facility in San Leon, Texas, which constitutes federal Lacey Act Violations.