Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited three Texas Men for alleged red snapper violations on Oct. 31 in Lafourche Parish.
Agents cited Yoshio Perez, 30, Victor Martinez, 56, and Daniel P. Acosta, 62, all of Brownsville, for over the limit of red snapper, taking red snapper during a closed season, possessing undersized red snapper, intentional concealment of fish, failing to keep saltwater fish intact and fishing without recreational non-resident basic fishing and saltwater fishing licenses.
Agents received word from the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Fourchon Harbor Police that the three men were on board a shrimp boat with illegal possession of red snapper. The red snapper were hidden in the ice hole under bags of shrimp.
Agents found the men in possession of 35 whole red snapper with 25 of them being under the minimum 16 inch size limit. Agents also found 64 red snapper filets making the three men in possession of 67 total red snapper.
Agents seized the red snapper and donated them to a local charity.
Intentional concealment of fish brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Possessing over the limit of red snapper carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 90 days in jail plus $25 per red snapper that were over the limit. Failing to keep saltwater fish intact brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Taking undersized red snapper and taking red snapper during a closed season each carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Fishing without non-resident basic fishing and saltwater licenses each brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail.
The men may also face civil restitution totaling up to $1,773 for the replacement value of the illegally taken red snapper.