Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited three men for alleged oyster violations in Plaquemines Parish on April 18.
Agents cited Joseph J. Phillips, 44, Don P. Phillips, 57, and Charles J. Williams Jr., 24, all of Port Sulphur, for taking oysters from an unapproved polluted area and unlawfully taking oysters from state water bottoms. The captain, Joseph Phillips, was also cited for a log book violation.
Agents cited the subjects after they were observed actively dredging for oysters in an area that was closed to pollution. Agents returned the oysters to the water and seized the dredge. Agents also put the vessel under a department seizure order.
Taking oysters from a polluted area brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. The men could also have their oyster harvester licenses revoked by the department for up to one year. The violators could also be sentenced to perform 40 hours of community service and only be allowed to harvest oysters from a vessel with a vessel monitoring device for up to one year.
Unlawfully taking oysters from state water bottoms carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. A log book violation carries a $25 fine and up to 10 days in jail.
Agents involved in the case are Sgt. Villere Reggio and Sgt. Jason Gernados.