Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agent cited four men for alleged oyster violations on Dec. 30 in Terrebonne Parish.
Agents cited Daniel J. Naquin, 30, Eric A. Rodrique, 32, James J. Naquin, 34, all from Chauvin, and Austin R. Cole, 24, from Montegut, for taking oysters from a polluted area.
An LDWF agent was on patrol in the area known as Point Au Chene and observed two vessels with two occupants each dredging for oysters in a polluted area.
Agents seized 29 sacks of oysters and returned them to the water. They also placed the vessels and dredges under a court ordered seizure form.
Taking oysters from an unapproved polluted area brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.
In addition to the fine, upon conviction, the department shall revoke the violator’s oyster harvester license for one year for the first offence, three years for the second offense, and ten years for the third offense. During the time the violator’s oyster harvester license is revoked on a first offense, the violator can only be present on an oyster vessel that is equipped with a vessel monitoring device. For the second and third offense, the violator can not be present on any vessel harvesting oysters during the time their license is revoked.
The case will be forwarded to District Attorney Joseph Waitz for prosecution.
The agent participating in the case is Sgt. Ezekiel Talbert.
