Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited a Port Sulphur man for alleged oyster fishing violations in Plaquemines Parish on Sept. 14.

Agents cited Jeremiah Phillips, 42, for taking oysters from a polluted area, fishing while under license revocation for unpaid civil restitution, culling oysters in an unapproved area, and fishing without basic season and saltwater fishing licenses.

Agents were patrolling the Port Sulphur area when they observed two pirogues unattended with oysters in them and one mini sack of oysters under the water line.  Agents then observed Phillips as he came back to the pirogues to sack the oysters.  The Louisiana Department of Health has declared this area polluted and has prohibited oyster fishing.

Taking oysters from a polluted area carries up to a $950 fine and 120 days in jail.  Fishing while under license revocation and culling oysters in an unapproved area brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for each offense.  Fishing without basic and saltwater fishing licenses carry up to a $50 fine for each offense.

Agents seized the two pirogues and equipment in the vessels used in harvesting oysters and approximately two sacks of oysters that were returned to the water.

The case will be forwarded to District Attorney Charles Ballay for prosecution.

Agents participating in this case are Senior Agent Shea Schexnaydre and Agent Heather Fitzgerald.