A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agent cited two Montegut men for alleged oyster violations on Dec. 15 in Jefferson Parish.
Agent Chelsea King cited John J. Naquin, 28, and Kenneth J. Naquin, 29, for taking oysters during a closed season from state grounds and taking commercial fish by using a dredge without commercial gear licenses.
Around 11 a.m. Agent King responded to an oyster complaint in Hackberry Bay. The agent observed the two men actively fishing for oysters.
The Hackberry Public Oyster Seed Reservation closed on Nov. 9 until further notice. The agent seized 13 sacks of oysters and returned them to the water.
Taking oysters during a closed season from state grounds brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Taking commercial fish without commercial gear licenses carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.
The violators could also face up to 40 hours of community service in a litter abatement community service program. Any person convicted of these violations may for one year after the date of such conviction only harvest oysters from a vessel that employs a vessel monitoring system. Access to the monitoring system shall be granted to LDWF.
For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.