Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents cited two men for alleged shrimping violations on Jan. 8 in Orleans Parish.
Agents patrolling in the Industrial Canal (Inner Harbor Navigation Canal) observed a skimming vessel actively shrimping around 9:30 p.m. During the inspection, agents found approximately 1,400 pounds of white shrimp on board the vessel.
Agents cited Michael D. Roussel Jr, 38, of Paulina, and Troy Cantillo, 49, of Gramercy, for using skimmers during a closed shrimp season and seized the entire catch. Both subjects were also cited for illegal shrimping in the Industrial Canal. The fall shrimp season for state inside waters was closed at sunset on Dec. 21, 2015.
Using skimmers during a closed shrimp season brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.
In addition to any and all other penalties, for the first conviction of shrimping during the closed season, the court may revoke or suspend the violator's trawl, skimmer, and butterfly gear licenses for one year from the date of the conviction. During such revocation or suspension, the violator may be present on a vessel harvesting or possessing shrimp or possessing a trawl, skimmer, or butterfly net, only if the vessel is equipped with and employs an operating vessel monitoring system which is accessible to LDWF. The court may also sentence the violator to perform 40 hours of community service.
Shrimping in the Industrial Canal carries up to a $500 fine and six months in jail.
Agents participating in the case are Lt. Jason Russo, Senior Agent Kyle Wagner and Agent Patrick Dempsey.