Belle Chasse man busted for alleged red snapper violations in Plaquemines Parish

Truong accused of possessing 50 snapper, of which 28 were undersized

Agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited a Belle Chasse man for alleged red snapper violations in Plaquemines Parish on Jan. 17.

Mot Truong, 36, was cited for taking red snapper during a closed season, taking over the limit of red snapper, taking undersized red snapper, taking undersized gray triggerfish and taking over the limit of gray triggerfish.

Agents allegedly contacted Truong’s vessel about seven miles offshore in state waters tied to an oil rig, according to a press release. Truong was observed fishing on the back deck of the vessel and was stopped and inspected, the release states.

When agents boarded his vessel, Truong was allegedly in possession of 50 red snapper and 29 grey triggerfish. Of the 50 snapper, 28 were under the minimum size limit of 16 inches, and he exceeded the daily limit of two fish by 48 – if the season were even open.

He also exceeded his limit on gray triggerfish by nine, and 16 of those fish were allegedly under the prescribed size limit of 14 inches.

Taking red snapper during a closed season carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.  Taking over the limit of red snapper and gray triggerfish and taking undersized red snapper and gray triggerfish each brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail.

Truong also faces a civil restitution for the value of the illegally taken fish in the amount of $1,468.58, the release states

The red snapper season closed in state waters on Dec. 31, 2014.