A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agent cited three subjects for alleged oyster violations on Aug. 4 in Vermilion Parish.
Sgt. Justin Sonnier cited Jose Ayala, 53, of Dickenson, Texas, Manuel Ayala, 63, of San Leon, Texas, and Adrian Ayala, 29, of Dickinson, Texas, for unlawfully taking oysters from a private lease. Jose Ayala was also cited for failing to have written permission to remove oysters from a private lease and harvesting oysters from an unmarked lease.
Sgt. Sonnier was on patrol in the Gulf of Mexico near Southwest Pass when he observed a vessel with a crew actively harvesting oysters from a private lease.
Sgt. Sonnier made contact with the captain, Jose Ayala, and his crew and found them in possession of 29 sacks of oysters. During the compliance check, Sgt. Sonnier learned that the subjects did not have permission to be harvesting oysters from this private lease.
Sgt. Sonnier seized the oysters and returned them to the water.
Unlawfully taking oysters off a private lease carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Failing to have written permission to harvest oysters from a private lease brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Harvesting oysters from an unmarked lease carries up to a $350 fine.