Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited two men for alleged shrimping violations on Aug. 14 in Bay Couquette in Plaquemines Parish.
Agents cited Michael Bourgeouis, 26, of Buras, and Toby Brown, 40, of Boothville, for using skimmers during a closed shrimp season.
Agents found the subjects actively skimming for shrimp in Bay Couquette in the early morning hours of Aug. 14. Agents seized 513 pounds of shrimp and sold them to the highest bidder.
Using skimmers during 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 Agent Rich Heinhold