Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited four subjects for alleged shrimping violations on May 10 in Plaquemines Parish.
Agents cited Eulice J. Ordoyne Jr, 67, of Buras, and Trebor Fabiano, 33, of Belle Chasse, for using skimmers during a closed shrimp season. Ordoyne was also cited for using improper navigation lights.
Agents found the vessel “Captain Bean” actively shrimping in the Bayou Grand Liard area of Buras around 9 p.m. Agents seized 60 pounds of shrimp.
Agents then cited Bradon Granger, 19, of Boothville, and Deiontae V. James, 19, of Venice, for also using skimmers during a closed shrimp season. Granger was also cited for not using any of the required navigation lights.
Agents found these subjects in the Yellow Cotton Bay area of Venice around 9:30 p.m. actively shrimping. Agents seized 68 pounds of shrimp.
The spring inshore shrimp season is currently closed and not set to open until May 23 at 6 a.m. statewide.
Using skimmers during a closed season carries a fine up to $950 and jail time up to 120 days. Using Improper or no running lights carries a $50 fine and up to 15 days in jail.
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.
Agents participating in the case are Sgt. Adam Young, Senior Agent Travis Bartlett and Agent Blaine Wagner.