LDWF says men had 40 red snapper, out-of-season sharks and triggerfish
Four men were cited Sunday with fishing violations, including possession of five times the number of red snapper allowed by federal regulations — almost half of which were too small — and possession of sharks and triggerfish during closed seasons, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reported. Cited for several red snapper, shark and triggerfish violations were 33-year-old Nghia Huu Hoang of Harvey, 32-year-old Loan Huynh of Harvey, 38-year-old Thang Van Tran of Avondale and 33-year-old Truong Nguyen of Kenner, the LDWF said.
The incident occurred while LDWF enforcement agents were on a joint enforcement agreement patrol in conjunction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service, the agency said.
Agents allegedly stopped the four subjects aboard their vessel in Empire, and were shown a limit of red snapper, the LDWF said.
After further investigation, two hidden compartments were found in the bow of the vessel, in which more red snapper and several sharks were discovered, the LDWF said.
The LDWF said the men allegedly were in possession of 40 red snapper, 18 of which were shorter than the minimum size limit of 16 inches; three sharks that were less than the minimum size limit of 54 inches and were caught during the currently closed recreational season; and three triggerfish that were caught during the currently closed recreational season.
Intentional concealment of illegal fish carries up to a $950 fine. Over limit of red snapper, possessing undersized red snapper, possession of shark and triggerfish during a closed season, and possessing undersized shark each brings up to a $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail for each offense. In addition to the penalties in court they will also be assessed $983.84 in civil restitution for the illegally taken fish.
