Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited two subjects for allegedly using skimmers for shrimp during a closed season on April 8.
Agents cited John Berthelot, 37, of Covington, and Juan Cruz, 38, of Marrero, at for using skimmers during a closed season. Agents also cited Berthelot for improper navigation lights.
Agents found the men actively shrimping in the English Bay area of Buras without navigation lights on around 10:30 p.m.
The Louisiana spring inshore shrimp season is currently closed. Agents seized 15 pounds of shrimp and returned them to the water.
Using skimmers during a closed season carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Additionally, if convicted the men could be sentenced to harvest shrimp only from a vessel with an approved vessel monitoring system monitored by LDWF. Improper navigation lights carries a $50 fine and up to 15 days of jail.
Agents participating in the case are Lt. Adam Young and Sgt. Villere Reggio.