LDWF Agents Cite Subject for Oyster Violations in St. Charles Parish

Baton Rouge, Apr 20, 2026 - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited a subject for alleged oyster violations on April 9 in St. Charles Parish.

Agents cited Ursin Abbate, 60, of Destrehan for buying or selling for resale untagged oysters, selling or buying oyster containers illegally, taking or selling commercial fish or bait species without a commercial license, violating the sanitation code for log book and failing to maintain records.

Agents received an anonymous complaint of an individual buying sacked oysters and shucking the purchased oysters for resale in quart sized containers. The subject would then advertise the oysters for sale on social media.

As agents arrived at the subjects address, cleaned oyster shells were observed in numerous buckets in the driveway. Upon contact, agents discovered the subject did not have the appropriate commercial licenses. Further investigation found he also did not maintain proper records and was found in violation of the sanitation code for log book.

Agents found the subject in possession of one sack of oysters and five quart sized containers of shucked oysters. The containerized oysters were untagged and found to be in illegal containers.

Containers used for selling shucked oysters must be certified by the Seafood Sanitation Unit of the Office of Public Health as well as properly tagged for resale.

Agents seized the five quart sized containers of shucked oysters.

Buying or selling for resale untagged oysters, selling or buying oysters containers illegally, taking or selling commercial fish or bait species without a commercial license and failing to maintain records brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for each offense. Violating the sanitation code for log book carries up to a $25 fine.

Agents participating in this case are Lt. Austin Landry and Corporal Heather Fitzgerald.