Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents cited two subjects in Terrebonne Parish for alleged oyster violations on April 15.
Agents patrolling in Lucien Bay spotted the vessel and crewmembers harvesting oysters from a private lease without the owner’s permission.
Agents made contact with the occupants and cited Jessie Dardar, 68, from Houma, and Brian Walling, 48, from Montegut, for unlawfully taking oysters off a private lease and failing to have written permission.
The agents seized the dredge and returned 15 sacks of oysters to the water. Agents also seized the vessel on a department seizure order.
Unlawfully taking oysters off a private lease brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Failing to have written permission carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. The violators could also be sentenced to perform 40 hours of community service and only be allowed to harvest oysters from a vessel with a vessel monitoring device for up to one year.
The agents participating in the case are Lt. Joe Arnaud, Sgt. Bryan Marie and Senior Agent Norman Deroche.