Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited a St. Bernard man for alleged commercial fishing violations on July 23.
Agents cited Robert Lopez, 65, of St Bernard for possessing over 20 percent undersized crabs and possessing immature female crabs.
While on patrol in Bayou Biloxi in Plaquemines Parish, agents observed Lopez operating his vessel and stopped him to conduct a license and creel check. Agents made contact with Lopez and found him in possession of several crates of crabs.
Commercial fishermen are allotted a 10 percent incidental take of undersized crabs and a two percent incidental take of immature female crabs for the total number of crabs in their possession.
Agents sampled each crate and determined that three crates contained 24 percent, 30 percent and 32 percent of undersized crabs. Agents also discovered that one of those crates contained six percent of immature female crabs. Agents seized approximately 180 pounds of crabs and returned them to the water.
Possessing over 20 percent undersized crabs carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Taking immature female crabs brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail.