Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents cited nine subjects in Terrebonne Parish for alleged oyster violations on April 8.
Agents patrolling in Hell Hole Bayou spotted several vessels and crewmembers harvesting oysters in an unapproved area.
Agents made contact with the occupants and cited Jolio C. Garcia, 30, Omar Ever Aviles Gomez, 28, Daniel M. Sanchez, 21, Francisco Arnulfo Ruiz Maradiaga, 34, all from Houma; Hermilo G. Luria, 25, Mario G. Lara, 37, Carlos T. Gonzaga, 30, Francisco A. Tenoria, 30, all from Gray; and Eduardo L. Alejo, 27, from Theriot, for harvesting oysters from an unapproved polluted area and unlawfully taking oysters off a private lease without written permission.
The agents seized the dredges and returned 115 sacks of oysters to the water. Agents also seized the vessels on a department seizure order.
Taking oysters from an unapproved polluted area brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Taking oysters from a private lease without permission carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. The men could also have their oyster harvester licenses revoked by the department for up to one year. 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 Sgt. Bryan Marie and agent Richard Bean.