Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited three men for alleged recreational fishing violations in Lafourche Parish on May 23.
Agents cited Westley Wood, 22, of Columbus, Miss., Reginald Marks, 56, of Lafayette, and Adrian Alexander, 38, of Gray, for failure to keep saltwater fish intact, possessing red snapper during a closed season and over the limit of red snapper. Wood was also cited for not possessing non resident basic and saltwater fishing licenses. Marks was also cited for not possessing basic and saltwater fishing licenses and possessing gray triggerfish during a closed season.
The season for red snapper opened on May 24 with a limit of two red snapper per day per licensed fisherman. The season for gray triggerfish closed on May 11.
Agents had received a tip about an oil supply boat that possessed fish illegally. They were able to stop the vessel in Belle Pass and found 24 red snapper filets, three and a half pounds of cut up gray triggerfish meat and 17 pounds of cut up red snapper meat.
During questioning, Marks admitted to taking six red snapper and the gray triggerfish. Wood and Alexander admitted to taking three red snapper a piece and the cut up red snapper meat.
Failing to keep saltwater fish intact brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Taking over the limit of red snapper and taking red snapper during a closed season each carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail for each offense. Failing to possess nonresident basic and saltwater fishing licenses brings up to a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Failing to possess basic and saltwater fishing licenses each brings up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail.
Marks may also face civil restitution totaling up to $180 for the replacement value of the illegally taken grey triggerfish and red snapper. Wood and Alexander may also face civil restitution totaling up to $112 a piece for the replacement value of the illegally taken red snapper.