Enforcement agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited seven individuals for alleged fishing violations during the opening weekend of the recreational red snapper season in St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes, according to a press release.
Agents cited James Allen, 55, of Pass Christian; Micheal Keel, 55, of Slidell; Shantelle Petrovich, 37, of Belle Chasse; Charles McNulty, 35, of Tampa, Florida; Gerald Popejoy IV, 27, of Pinellas Park, Florida; and Kristofer Haddon, 40, of Holiday, Florida; for over the daily limit of red snapper.
Keel was also cited for intentional concealment of illegal fish when agents found him attempting to sink a red snapper that was over the limit.
Agents also cited Joseph Bellande, 40, of Meraux, for possessing two red snapper without basic and saltwater fishing licenses and not having a recreational offshore landing permit.
Agents found Allen in possession of three red snapper, Keel with four red snapper, Petrovich with seven red snapper, and McNulty, Popejoy and Park in possession of three snapper a piece. The daily possession limit of red snapper is two per licensed fisherman.
Agents seized the 15 red snapper that were over the limit.
Taking over the limit of red snapper carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Intentional concealment brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Possessing fish without the required licenses and not having the required recreational offshore landing permit carries up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail.
