Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited two men for alleged shrimping violations on Aug. 5 in Plaquemines Parish.
Agents were patrolling the Scofield Bay section of Plaquemines Parish when they came across a skimming vessel actively shrimping around 10:30 at night. During their inspection agents found 200 pounds of shrimp on board the vessel.
Agents cited Yale B. Barrios, 36, and Andy P. Boudreaux, 32, both of Buras, for using skimmers during a closed shrimp season and seized 200 pounds of shrimp. Agents also cited Barrios for no running lights.
The inshore shrimp season is set to open on Aug. 17 at 6 a.m.
Using skimmers during a closed shrimp season brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Operating at night with no running lights brings up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail.
In addition to any and all other penalties, for the first conviction of shrimping during the closed season, the court may revoke or suspend the violator's trawl, skimmer, and butterfly gear licenses for one year from the date of the conviction. During such revocation or suspension, the violator may be present on a vessel harvesting or possessing shrimp or possessing a trawl, skimmer, or butterfly net, only if the vessel is equipped with and employs an operating vessel monitoring system which is accessible to LDWF. The court shall also sentence the violator to perform 40 hours of community service.
Agents participating in the cases are Agent William Bartlett and Blaine Wagner.
For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.