Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited multiple boats for alleged shrimping violations on Aug. 6 in Plaquemines Parish.
Agents cited Billy Pansy, 51, of Port Sulphur, and John F. Parker, 50, of Boothville, for using skimmers in a closed season. Agents seized and sold 655 pounds of shrimp from this vessel.
Agents also cited Don A. Barthelemy, 53, of Harvey, and Rodney S. Andry, 33, of Buras, for using skimmers in a closed season. Agents seized and sold 630 pounds of shrimp from this vessel.
The agents were on patrol after receiving complaints of illegal shrimping taking place in the Buras area.
Using skimmers in a closed season carries up to a $950 fine and 120 days in jail plus forfeiture of anything seized.
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 violators 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 violators may also have to perform 40 hours of community service.
Agents involved in the case are Senior Agents Travis Bartlett and Blaine Wagner.