Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited a Cameron man for alleged commercial fishing violations on Aug. 23 in Cameron Parish.
Agents cited Clarence Dyson III, 44, of Cameron, for using skimmer nets during a closed season, and taking shrimp without a commercial fishing, vessel and gear licenses.
Agents observed Dyson in the western end of West Cove actively fishing his skimmer nets. Agents seized 462 pounds of shrimp and two skimmer nets.
Using skimmers during a closed shrimp season carries up to a $950 fine and 120 days in jail. Taking shrimp without a commercial license, a vessel license, and gear license each carry up to a $500 fine and 90 days in jail for each offense.
In addition for the first conviction of shrimping during the closed season, the court may revoke or suspend the violator's trawl, skimmer, or 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 violator may also have to perform 40 hours of community service.