The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) arrested an individual in September for several commercial fishing violations, including stealing crab traps.
While on patrol in the Intracoastal Waterway 7 September, LDWF agents spotted a vessel operating without visible registration numbers. When agents approached and made contact with the vessel’s operator, 20-year-old Cameron Bertoniere, they discovered multiple violations of state law.
According to LDWF, Bertoniere did not possess a vessel license and was operating under a license suspension. He also told agents that though he had purchased the vessel nearly a year earlier, he had yet to transfer the registration to his name.
Agents also discovered 13 crab traps on board, which Bertoniere said he’d caught up in his shrimp nets. The state requires crab traps caught in shrimp nets be placed back in the water with a float.
LDWF ultimately arrested Bertoniere and seized the 3,826 pounds of shrimp he had harvested so far, selling them to the highest bidder.
Bertoniere faces fines of USD 900 to USD 950 (EUR 800 to EUR 845) and up to 120 days in jail for operating a vessel while his license was suspended and for stealing crab traps. He also faces a fine of USD 250 to USD 500 (EUR 222 to EUR 445) and 90 days in jail for taking commercial fish without a vessel license.
