Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited two men for alleged shrimping violations on Aug. 1 in Plaquemines Parish.
Agents cited Ernie P. Barthélemy, 52, of Slidell, and Jimmy Lynn Merrick, 55, of Boothville, for using skimmers in a closed season.
The agents were responding to complaints of illegal shrimping taking place in the Buras area. During the stop agents seized 300 pounds of shrimp that was later sold.
Using skimmers in a closed season carries up to a $950 fine and 120 days in jail plus forfeiture of anything seized.
In addition for the first conviction of shrimping during the closed season, the court may revoke or suspend the violator's trawl, skimmer, or 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 violator may also have to perform 40 hours of community service.
Agents involved in the case are Senior Agents Travis Bartlett and Jeffery Farmer.