All fishermen allegedly ticketed several miles inside federal waters, LDWF says
Agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited six people last weekend for allegedly possessing red snapper in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, according to a release.
On Friday, July 29, Brandon Longman, 32, of Ethel; Henry Noto III, 32, of Denham Springs and Steven Kennedy, 61, of Belle Chase, were cited for possession of red snapper during a closed season in federal waters.
Agents cited James Clarkin, 55, of Baton Rouge; Walton Tate, 41, of Hammond and Dwayne Reeder, 75, ofCarencro, for possession of red snapper during the closed season in federal waters on Saturday, July 30.
Agents also cited Reeder cited for intentional concealment of illegally taken fish, the release states.
The 2016 red snapper season is currently open in state waters with a limit of two fish per person — however, the red snapper season in federal waters is closed.
All six people were caught with snapper several miles inside federal waters and nowhere near state waters that extends 9 miles into the Gulf of Mexico, the release states.
Possessing red snapper during a closed federal season in federal waters brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to six months in jail. Intentional concealment of illegally taken fish also carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to six months in jail, according to the release.
