One citation deals with over-harvest of sharks; second man cited for possessing red snapper during closed season.
Two men were issued citations for alleged fishing violations on March 5 by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the agency reported. Agents cited Robert J. Canty, 32, of Slidell, for taking over the daily commercial limit of sharks and 33-year-old Long Van Pham of Kenner for taking red snapper during a closed recreational red snapper season, the LDWF said.
These citations were part of a joint enforcement patrol with the National Marine Fisheries Service.
LDWF agents stopped with Canty in South Pass south of Venice and allegedly found him in possession of 96 sharks, which is 63 sharks over the allowable commercial daily limit.
Agents also stopped Pham near Venice Marina to conduct a catch inspection and found him to be in possession of 15 red snapper. The 2012 recreational red snapper season is closed until June 1.
Taking over the limit of commercial sharks carries a fine up to $350 and up to 60 days in jail. Canty also may face civil restitution fines for the value of the illegally taken sharks.
The penalty for taking red snapper during a closed season carries a fine up to $350 and up to 60 days in jail. Pham also may face civil restitution fines totaling $430 for the value of the illegally taken red snapper.
