Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents cited two men for alleged shrimping violations on Aug. 10 in St. Bernard Parish.
Agents patrolling in Pumpkin Lake observed a skimming vessel actively shrimping around 4:30 a.m. During the inspection, agents found 1,300 pounds of shrimp on board the vessel.
Agents cited Daniel Russell, 31, of New Orleans, and Ryan Engolia, 28, of Slidell, for using skimmers during a closed shrimp season and seized the shrimp.
The inshore shrimp season is set to open on Aug. 17 at 6 a.m.
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 shall also sentence the violator to perform 40 hours of community service.
Agents participating in the case are Senior Agents Gary Pierce and Brett Nabors.
For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.