Five cited for alleged red snapper violations in federal waters

Men in three separate boats ticketed 15 miles off the coast, LDWF says

Enforcement agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited five men in three separate boats Sunday for alleged red snapper violations 15 miles off of Louisiana’s coast, according to a news release.

Ticketed for possessing red snapper in federal waters during a closed federal red snapper season were Carman Johnson, 44, of Mobile, Ala., Ryan Bergeron, 19, of Houma, Randy Landry, 51, of Houma, Jordan Musso, 30, of Broussard and Robert Musso, 51, of Youngsville.  Agents also cited Johnson for being over the limit of red snapper, the release states.

LDWF agents working a Joint Enforcement Agreement patrol allegedly found Johnson in possession of eight red snapper, Bergeron and Landry with three red snapper between them, and Jordan and Robert Musso also with a total of three red snapper, according to the release.

The federal red snapper season in federal waters opens on June 1 at 12:01 a.m. in the Gulf of Mexico.  During the nine-day season, each fishermen is allowed two red snapper 16 inches or longer each day.

Possessing red snapper in federal waters during a closed federal season and being over the limit of red snapper each brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail for each offense.  Johnson may also face up to $230 in civil restitution, the release states.

Red snapper season is open in Louisiana state waters, which are currently recognized out to 9 nautical miles. In state waters, the limit is also two fish per day, with a minimum length of 16 inches.