Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agent cited six men for alleged oyster violations in Terrebonne and LaFourche parishes.
On Sept. 18, LDWF Sgt. Bryan Marie cited Dustin M. Buquet, 18, Richardo Najera-Morales, 25, and Cline J. Ledet, 29, all from Chauvin, for taking oysters from an unapproved polluted area in Bay Antoine in Terrebonne Parish.
On Sept. 22, the agent cited Dillon J. Verdin, 23, from Cutoff, Alexei B. Vargas, 21, and Holden D. Verdin, 21, both from Houma, for taking oysters from an unapproved polluted area in Bayou Faleau in Lafourche Parish.
Both areas are closed by the Department of Health and Hospitals due to pollution.
Both vessels were found with 15 sacks of oysters on board. Sgt. Marie seized the vessels, oyster dredges and returned 30 sacks of oysters to the water.
Taking oysters from a polluted area brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. In addition, the men could be sentenced to serve 40 hours of community service and be required to only harvest oysters from a vessel that is equipped with a vessel monitoring system.
For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.