Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited six people for alleged saltwater fishing violations on July 29 and 30 in federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico.
Agents cited Brandon Longman, 32, from Ethel; Henry Noto III, 32, from Denham Springs; and Steven Kennedy, 61, from Belle Chase, for possession of red snapper during the closed season in federal waters on July 29.
On July 30 agents cited James Clarkin, 55, from Baton Rouge; Walton Tate, 41, from Hammond; and Dwayne Reeder, 75, from Carencro; for possession of red snapper during the closed season in federal waters on July 30. Agents also cited Reeder cited for intentional concealment of illegally taken fish.
The 2016 red snapper season is currently open in state waters with a limit of 2 per person; however, the red snapper season in federal waters is currently closed. All six people were caught with red snapper several miles inside federal waters and nowhere near state waters that extends nine miles into the Gulf of Mexico.
Possessing red snapper during a closed federal season in federal waters brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to six months in jail. Intentional concealment of illegally taken fish also carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to six months in jail.
Agents involved in these cases are Sgt. Nicholas Guillory and Senior Agent Lucas Hidalgo.