LDWF says skimmers were used during a closed shrimp season
Enforcement agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries ticketed three people in Plaquemines Parish Friday morning for alleged shrimping violations.
Agents cited David Pitre Jr., 45, of Empire, Tommy Berthelot, 39, of Buras, and Jessica Frelich, 30, of Buras, for allegedly using skimmers during a closed shrimp season, according to a press release.
The release states agents found the group actively skimming for shrimp in Yellow Cotton Bay, and 170 pounds of shrimp were seized in the investigation.
Using skimmers in a closed season carries up to a $950 fine and 120 days in jail, plus forfeiture of anything seized, according to the release.
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, according to the release.