Agents seize 136 sacks of oysters in Drum Bay investigation, LDWF says
Enforcement agents arrested six men from two different vessels Friday for alleged oyster violations in St. Bernard Parish, according to a news release.
Glenn J. Cascio Sr., 54, and Glenn J. Cascio Jr., 35, both of St. Bernard, from one vessel and Baron T. Navarro, 40, of Mereaux, Sotelo A. Galdino, 36, of Seabrook, Texas, Rigoberto Badillo-Gomez, 38, of Mereaux, and Jose Camalgo, 18, of of Seabrook, Texas, from another vessel, for taking oysters during a closed season. Navarro also was cited for failing to comply with refrigeration requirements, the release states.
After complains about illegal oyster harvesting on State Seed Grounds in Drum Bay, agents set up surveillance in the area and observed two oyster vessels enter the area and begin dredging, the release states.
Agents stopped both vessels and found loose oysters on their decks and in the dredges, the release states. Four dredges were seized, and 136 sacks of oysters were returned to the water.
Taking oysters during a closed season brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Any person convicted of this violation may only harvest oysters from a vessel that employs a vessel monitoring system monitored by LDWF for a period of one year. Failing to comply with refrigeration requirements carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail, the release states.
Drum Bay public grounds are currently closed to all oyster harvesting, according to the release.
