224 female crabs seized and returned to the water, LDWF says
Agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited a Texas man for alleged crabbing violations on April 27.
According to a news release, Thanh Van Nguyen, of Bridge City, was cited for taking female crabs during a closed season and violating interstate commerce regulations.
In coordination with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the LDWF was working to detect commercial fishermen from Texas coming into Louisiana waters and catching female crabs to sell in the Lone Star state.
There was a closure on the taking of female crabs in Louisiana waters for commercial fishermen during the months of March and April, but there was no closure in Texas waters. Agents also learned that Nguyen does not possess the required licenses for crabs in Texas because of past violations, according to the release.
LDWF agents allegedly observed Nguyen running crab traps in Louisiana waters, and then notified TPW agents about him trying to sell his catch at a seafood dock just off the Sabine River in Texas, the release states.
LDWF agents seized two crab crates containing 224 female crabs and returned the crabs to the water, according to the release.
Violating interstate commerce regulations carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Taking female crabs during a closed brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail, the release states.