Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents arrested three men for alleged oyster violations on the morning of Jan. 31 in St. Bernard Parish.
Agents arrested Dustin J Robin, 30, of St. Bernard, Randal Assavedo Jr,35, of Mereaux, and Carlos Mejia, 42, of Houston, Texas for dredging for oysters in a polluted area, unlawfully taking oysters off a private lease, taking oysters during illegal hours, and failing to have written permission to harvest oysters on a private lease. Robin, the captain of the vessel, was also cited for failing to fill out an oyster log book.
Agents were patrolling the Lake Robin area when they observed a vessel actively dredging in the lake around 6 a.m. Upon making contact with the vessel the agents discovered the men were dredging in a polluted area on a private lease without written permission during illegal hours.
Agents seized and returned 12 sacks of oysters to the water and seized two oyster dredges. They also seized the vessel on a department seizure order.
Dredging for oysters in a polluted area and unlawfully taking oysters off a private lease each carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Taking oysters during illegal hours and failing to have written permission each brings a $400 to $950 and up to 120 days in jail. Failing to fill out an oyster log book carries a $25 fine and up to 10 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.
Agents involved in the case are Senior Agent Blaine Wagner and Agent Kyle Haydel.