Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited a St. Bernard man for alleged commercial fishing violations on April 2.
Agents cited Willard F. Guillot III, 55, for possessing commercial fish without a vessel license, possessing immature female crabs, and possessing crabs during a closed season.
While on patrol in the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet in St Bernard Parish, agents observed Guillot running crab traps. Agents made contact with Guillot and found him in possession of a three crates of crabs.
The commercial harvest of female blue crabs is prohibited during the months of March and April. Commercial fishermen are allotted two percent incidental take of immature female/female crabs for the total number of crabs in his possession.
Agents determined that the three crates contained 38 percent, 54 percent and 12 percent of female and immature female crabs. Agents seized 350 pounds of crabs and returned them to the water.
Taking commercial fish without a vessel license carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Taking immature female crabs and female crabs during the closure each carry a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail.