Men were harvesting oysters from private lease in Lucien Bay without permission, LDWF says
Agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited two men for alleged oyster violations last week in Terrebonne Parish, according to a press release.
Jessie Dardar, 68, of Houma, and Brian Walling, 48, of Montegut, were cited for allegedly taking oysters off a private lease and failing to have written permission from the owner, the release states.
LDWF agents on patrol in Lucien Bay spotted the vessel on April 15, and ultimately seized the dredge and returned 15 sacks of oysters to the water. The vessel also was seized on a department seizure order, according to the release.
Unlawfully taking oysters off a private lease brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail, and failing to have written permission carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.
The violators could also be sentenced to perform 40 hours of community service and only be allowed to harvest oysters from a vessel with a vessel monitoring device for up to one year, the release states.