Boat was several miles beyond state water boundary, LDWF says
Enforcement agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries ticketed six anglers Tuesday in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico off Plaquemines Parish for alleged red snapper violations, according to a press release.
Agents cited Ryan Baldassaro, 22, from Metairie; Nathan Randazzo, 18, from Marrero; Brandt Becnel, 21, from Belle Chase; Thomas Becnel Jr., 56, from Belle Chase; Patrick Becnel Jr., 24, from Belle Chase and Nathaniel Peters, 22, from Metairie, for taking red snapper during a closed season, the release states. Agents seized 10 red snapper which were later donated to a local charity.
Their vessel was allegedly near an oil platform 13 miles offshore — several miles beyond the 9-nautical-mile line delineating Louisiana waters.
Anglers are currently allowed two red snapper each per day in state waters, but the three-day federal season beyond 9 miles in the Gulf of Mexico does not open until June 1.
Taking red snapper during a closed season brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail. The subjects may also be subject to civil restitution totaling $229 for the illegally taken fish, the release states.
