The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has cited three subjects for violating state shrimping regulations and using skimmer nets during a closed season.
While the state’s fall inshore shrimping season launched on 17 August, enforcement agents caught three individuals starting the season early.
On August 13, agents on patrol in Terrebonne Parish encountered 56-year-old Paul Pierre illegally using skimmer nets. The agents discovered 1,550 pounds of shrimp on board, which was sold to the highest bidder.
The next day, agents on patrol in Plaquemines Parish discovered two more individuals using skimmer nets in closed waters. The agents cited 55-year-old Michael Champlin and 25-year-old Mikeal Bethelot and returned the 20 pounds of live shrimp in their nets back to the water.
The individuals face fines between USD 400 to USD 950 (EUR 343 to EUR 814) and up to 120 days in jail.
