Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents arrested three men for alleged oyster harvesting violations on Dec. 18 in Terrebonne Parish.
Agents arrested Samuel Dobson, 35, Dylan Parker, 21, and John Parker III, 25, all of Houma, for taking oysters during a closed season on the Sister Lake Public Oyster Seed Reservation, taking oysters from a polluted area, taking oysters during illegal hours, and taking oysters without commercial gear and vessel licenses.
On Dec. 18 around 8:30 p.m., LDWF agents were patrolling the Sister Lake Seed Reservation when they observed a vessel in the open water of Sister Lake dredging for oysters. Agents stopped the vessel and found the three men in possession of 60 sacks of oysters. Agents seized the vessel, two oyster dredges and returned the oysters to the water. The men were booked into the Terrebonne Parish Jail.
The Sister Lake Public Oyster Seed Reservation is closed for the 2014/15 season.
Taking oysters during illegal hours and from a polluted area each carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Taking oysters without a commercial gear or vessel license each brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Taking oysters during a closed season carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail.
Agents participating in this care are Sgt. Thomas Dewitt, Senior Agent Jamie Folse, Agent Richard Bean and Agent Lucas Hidalgo.
For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.