Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited two subjects for alleged oyster violations in Cameron Parish on May 7 during the extended oyster season.
Agents cited Ronald W. Gaspard, 61, and Joshua J. Lebouef, 39, both of Cameron, for violating Calcasieu Lake oyster regulations, taking oysters during illegal hours and taking undersized oysters from a natural reef.
Agents received complaints of subjects using a dredge in a tonging only area in West Cove Conditional Management Area. Agents setup surveillance in the area and observed Gaspard and Lebouef take oysters during illegal hours and over the limit of oysters. Agents also observed Gaspard and Lebouef take a dredge from their vessel and hide it in the marsh.
Agents made contact with the subjects and found them in possession of 14 sacks of oysters, of which 48 percent were undersized. Gaspard and Lebouef admitted that seven sacks of oysters were caught during illegal hours and with the illegal dredge.
Agents seized the dredge and returned 14 sacks of oysters to the water.
Violating Calcasieu Lake oyster regulations and taking oysters during illegal hours, brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail for each offense. Taking undersized oysters from a natural reef brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail.
The offenders may also face forfeiting their permits to harvest oysters on Calcasieu Lake and be barred from obtaining permits for the remainder of the period for which it was issued plus one year, during which time the offenders will be barred from participating in any oyster harvesting activity on Calcasieu Lake.