Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited three men for alleged fishing violations in Plaquemines Parish on Oct. 19.
Agents cited Arielle Vicknair, 24, of St. Bernard, Richard Vasquez, 59, of Port Sulphur, and Michael Champlin, 52, of Buras, for taking flounder during a closed season.
Agents were on patrol in the Oak River area of Plaquemines Parish and encountered three separate vessels. During boating safety and license compliance inspections agents found Vicknair in possession of 18 flounder, Vasquez in possession of three flounder, and Champlin in possession of four flounder.
The closed season for the recreational and commercial harvest of southern flounder is from Oct. 15 through Nov. 30 of each year. This statewide closure for southern flounder is for all sectors and all gear types including any flounder caught as bycatch in any other fishery. Exemptions that previously existed for southern flounder caught as bycatch on a shrimping trip are no longer applicable.
Taking flounder during a closed season carries up to a $350 fine. The men may also face civil restitution for the replacement value of the illegally taken fish with Vicknair facing $289, Vasquez facing $48, and Champlin facing $64 in civil restitution.
Agents participating in the case are Lt. Adam Young and Corporal Blaine Wagner.