Men were dredging in an area closed to pollution, LDWF says
Enforcement agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited three Port Sulphur men for alleged oyster violations in Plaquemines Parish this week.
According to a press release, agents cited Joseph J. Phillips, 44, Don P. Phillips, 57 and Charles J. Williams, 24, for taking oysters from an unapproved polluted area and unlawfully taking oysters from state water bottoms. In addition, the captain, Joseph Phillips, was also cited for a log book violation.
The men were allegedly observed dredging in a closed area, and agents returned the oysters to the water, seized the dredge and put the vessel under a department seizure order, the release states.
Taking oysters from a polluted area brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. The men could also have their oyster harvester licenses revoked by the Department for up to one year. 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, according to the release.
Unlawfully taking oysters from state water bottoms carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. A log book violation carries a $25 fine and up to 10 days in jail, the release states.
