Possession of 104 red snapper, 20 greater amberjack fillets, LDWF says
Five men were cited last week by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for numerous violations involving possession of red snapper and greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico.
LDWF agents federally cited Chad Fonseck, 28, of Waggaman, Troy Coker, 37, of Ponchatoula, Kirby Plaisance, 24, of Ama, Daryl Robert, 43, of Gretna and Troy Melancon, 45, of Ama for possession of red snapper during a closed season, being over the limit on red snapper, failing to keep fish intact, being over the limit on greater amberjack and possessing greater amberjack during a closed season, the release states.
LDWF agents on a Joint Enforcement Agreement patrol in federal waters observed a double-rigger shrimp vessel throwing a red snapper back into the water. Upon approaching the vessel, agents noticed subjects on the deck fishing recreationally.
Upon inspection, agents found an ice chest containing 104 red snapper fillets and 20 greater amberjack fillets. The men did not possess a commercial permit needed to harvest and sell reef fish under federal quotas and in excess of bag limits.
Recreational red snapper and greater amberjack seasons are currently closed in federal waters. During an open season, the release states the five men would have been allowed a total of 10 red snapper and five greater amberjack.
The fillets onboard represent 52 red snapper and 10 greater amberjack.
If convicted, the five men face fines and civil restitution charges through federal court.
