Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited three men for alleged oyster violations in Terrebonne Parish on May 21.
Agents cited the captain, Dillon Verdin, 26, of Bourg, and his two deck hands, Matthew Price, 23, of Houma, and Wayne Lafollette, 26, of Chauvin for taking oysters from an unapproved polluted area and taking oysters during illegal hours. Verdin was also cited for failing to be in possession of a commercial license, failing to display number on vessel, operating a vessel with improper running lights, failing to comply with personal flotation device (PFD) requirements, and violating sanitation code requirements.
Agents on patrol near Cutoff Canal observed a vessel actively dredging for oysters around 5 a.m. with no running lights. Agents made contact with the men in the vessel and found they were in possession of 15 sacks of oysters. Agents also found that the men were dredging for the oysters in a polluted area.
Agents seized the 15 sacks of oysters and returned them to the water. Agents also seized one oyster scraper in connection with the violations. The vessel and motor were seized on department seizure order and subject to forfeiture upon conviction.
Taking oysters from an unapproved polluted area carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Taking oysters illegal hours brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Failing to have a commercial license in possession carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Failure to display proper number on vessel, improper running lights, and failure to comply with PFD requirement each carry up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail. Violating sanitation code requirements carries up to a $25 fine and 10 days in jail.