Suspect illegally possessed immature female crabs, LDWF says
A 51-year-old commercial crab fisherman was cited for allegedly having too many immature female crabs on his vessel in Plaquemines Parish.
According to a press release from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Allan Campo Sr., of Violet was cited for possessing immature female crabs.
Beginning in 2017, commercial crab fishermen in Louisiana state waters may not harvest immature female crabs regardless of size. However, a legally licensed commercial crab fisherman may have an incidental take of immature female crabs not to exceed 2 percent of the total number of crabs.
On Jan. 20, LDWF agents allegedly found Campo in violation of the new crabbing regulation percentages and issued him a written warning, the release states.
Then on Feb. 1, agents on patrol near Shell Lake in Plaquemines Parish observed Campo actively crabbing. Agents allegedly found two illegal crates of crabs, with 8- and 10-percent of the total catch being immature female crabs, according to the release.
Agents seized the crabs and returned them back to the water.
An immature female crab, also known as a “maiden” or “V-bottom” crab, can be identified by a triangular shaped apron on the abdomen. A mature female crab is identified by having a dome-shaped apron on the abdomen.
Possessing immature female crabs carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail and forfeiture of the crab catch, according to the release.
