Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents arrested a Des Allemands man for alleged commercial catfish violations on Aug. 21.
Agents arrested Leon Fonseca, 74, for taking undersized commercial catfish and intentional concealment of fish during a commercial fish inspection.
Agents observed Fonseca actively fishing trotlines from his vessel within Bayou Des Allemands around 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 21. Before agents could make contact, Fonseca attempted to illegally discard blue catfish that were less than the minimum size limit of 12 inches from his vessel.
Agents were able to retrieve multiple dead blue catfish from the water, but suspect there were many more they could not retrieve. By adding up the retrieved catfish from the water and the catch still left on the vessel, agents determined that Fonseca possessed undersized catfish that made up 14.5 percent of his total catch.
Commercial fishermen may have an incidental take of undersized blue catfish not to exceed five percent of their total blue catfish catch. Agents seized 64 pounds of catfish and sold them to the highest bidder.
Taking or possessing undersized commercial catfish carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Intentional concealment of fish brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.
Agents participating in the case are Cpl. Kyle Wagner and Agent Anthony Corner.