Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents cited a commercial fisherman and his deckhand for allegedly using oversized fish trawls on Dec. 20th in St. Bernard Parish.
Agents cited Mike Russell, 56, of New Orleans and his deckhand Bruce Metz, 63, of Slidell, for using oversized trawls in inside waters.
Agents patrolling in Lake Borgne observed a trawling vessel actively fishing around 1 p.m. Upon making contact with the captain, agents observed two deployed 50 foot trawls. The two trawls total 100 feet, which exceeds the maximum allowed trawl size for inside waters.
Agents seized Russell’s trawls and approximately 1,000 pounds of fish.
Trawling in inside waters with more than a 50 foot trawl brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. The men may also get their trawl, skimmer and butterfly gear licenses suspended for one year. During the suspension the men may only be on a vessel possessing a trawl, skimmer, or butterfly net, if the vessel is using an operating vessel monitoring system which is accessible to LDWF.
Agents participating in the case are Sgt. Austin Arteaga, Agent Chelsea King, Senior Agent Bret Nabors and Sgt. Keith Francis.
For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.