Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited a man for alleged oyster harvester violations on Dec. 26 in Terrebonne Parish.
Agents cited William R. Fitch, 31, from Houma, for taking oysters from a polluted area and unlawfully taking oysters from a private lease and failure to have written permission.
Agents observed Fitch around 10 a.m. harvesting oysters in a bayou near Four Island Dome. Fitch was found fishing on an unapproved polluted area on a private lease without permission.
Agents seized six sacks of oysters and returned them to the water.
Taking oysters from an unapproved polluted area and unlawfully taking oysters off a private lease each brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail for each offense. Failure to have written permission brings a fine of $400 to $900 and up to 90 days in jail.
Fitch could also face having their oyster harvester licenses revoked by LDWF for up to one year. He could also be sentenced to perform 40 hours of community service and only be allowed to harvest oy