Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited eight people for alleged oyster harvesting violations on March 8 in two separate cases.
Agents cited Juan Martinez, 53, of Bacliff, Texas, Mariano Resendez, 39, of San Leon, Texas, and Shirley Hebert, 40, of Franklin, for oyster sanitation violations south of Marsh Island Refuge. Hebert was also cited for oyster logbook and refrigeration violations. Agents returned 50 sacks of oysters to the water.
Agents later cited Leonardo F. Vega, 36, Jose Cardenas-Arrendondo, 32, Antonio C. Aguado, 59, Antonio C. Aguado Jr., 32, and Ricardo C. Rodriguez, 39, all residing in Houma, for oyster refrigeration requirements.
Agents observed the five men harvesting oysters earlier in the day in Vermilion Bay north of Southwest Pass. The five men then attempted to offload the oysters at a dock in Intracoastal City without refrigerating the oysters within the proper time frame. Agents seized 170 sacks of oysters that were intended for raw consumption and returned them to the water.
Violating oyster refrigeration regulations carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Violating oyster sanitation regulations and failing to maintain oyster harvesting logbook each brings a $25 fine and up to 10 days in jail.
Agents involved in the cases are Sgt. Justin Sonnier and Agent Nathan Vanya.