Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited a St. Bernard man for alleged oyster violations on March 27 in St. Bernard Parish.

Agents cited Jerral Ronquille, 56, for two counts of violating the state’s logbook requirements, improperly filling out oyster tags, not possessing a commercial fishing gear license, and adulterating and misbranding seafood.

Agents were on patrol in Bayou la Loutre when they observed a vessel actively harvesting oysters. Agents performed an inspection and found that Ronquille did not possess any gear licenses and was in possession of 77 sacks of oysters.

After further investigation, agents determined that Ronquille harvested 20 of the sacks of oysters in his possession on March 26 and that Ronquille changed the dates on those tags to the current day, March 27. Agents also found the logbook sheet for the previous day was discarded and changed to match the current day’s harvest.

Agents seized and returned 77 whole sacks of oysters to the water. Upon completion of the investigation, Ronquille was then taken into custody by the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office and booked on several outstanding warrants.

Taking commercial fish without a commercial gear license carries up to a $500 fine and 90 days in jail. Failing to fill out oyster tags properly brings up to a $500 fine and 90 days in jail. Misbranding or adulterating seafood carries up to a $750 fine and 15 to 30 days in jail. Violation of logbook requirements brings up to a $25 fine and forfeiture of anything seized to the department.

Agents participating in this case are Lt. Adam Young, Sgt. Jason Gernados, Corporal Austin Landry and Agent Austin Wiles.