A Louisiana Department of Fish and Wildlife (LDFW) agent cited two individuals for taking more than the legally allowed amount of immature female crabs in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, U.S.A.
On 16 February, an LDFW agent on patrol in Little Lake observed 48-year-old Cut Off resident Hong Tran tending commercial crab traps. While conducting a compliance check, the agent discovered Tran possessed over the legal limit of immature female crabs. Under state law, any random sample of 50 crabs must contain less than 5 percent immature female crabs. Tran was cited, and the agent returned 180 pounds of crabs in his possession back to the water.
Later that same day, the agent came across 54-year-old Cut Off resident Phillip Tran also tending commercial crab traps. Another compliance check again revealed that Tran had more than the legal limit of immature female crabs. Tran was cited, and the agent returned the 300 pounds of crab on his vessel back to the water.
The citations carry a fine of between USD 400 to USD 950 (EUR 339 to EUR 804) and up to 120 days in jail.
