Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited two subjects for alleged commercial fishing violations in Plaquemines Parish on Aug. 2.

Agents cited Webley L. Bourgeois, 48, of Boothville, and John Murry, 32, of Buras, for using skimmers during a closed shrimp season.

Agents observed the two subjects 2.6 miles inside Black Bay located in Plaquemines Parish on a vessel outfitted with skimmers that were actively fishing.  The inshore shrimp season for this area closed July 1.  Agents returned three pounds of shrimp to the water.

Using skimmers during a closed shrimp season carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.  The court may also revoke or suspend the violator's trawl, skimmer, and butterfly gear licenses for one year from the date of the conviction.  During such revocation or suspension, the violator may be present on a vessel harvesting or possessing shrimp or possessing a trawl, skimmer, or butterfly net, only if the vessel is equipped with and employs an operating vessel monitoring system which is accessible to LDWF.  The court can also sentence the violators to perform 40 hours of community service.