Louisiana Department of Wildlife And Fisheries Enforcement Division cited a Texas woman for alleged crabbing violations on April 5.
LDWF agents cited Lieu Ha Le, of Bridge City, Texas, for taking female crabs during a closed season and violating interstate commerce regulations.
LDWF agents along with Texas Parks and Wildlife agents are working jointly to detect Texas commercial fishermen coming into Louisiana waters and catching female crabs and then selling them in Texas.
There is currently a closure on the taking of female crabs in Louisiana waters for the commercial fishermen during the months of March and April. There is no closure for the take of female crabs in Texas waters. Agents also learned that Le does not possess the required licenses for crabs in Texas because of past violations.
LDWF agents observed Le running crab traps in Louisiana waters and then notified TPW agents about Le trying to sell her catch at a seafood dock just off the Sabine River in Texas.
LDWF agents seized two crab crates containing 48 female crabs and returned the crabs to the water.
Violating interstate commerce regulations carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Taking female crabs during a closed brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail.