Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited a Houma man for alleged oyster harvesting violations on March 11 in Terrebonne Parish.
Agents cited Fernando Carbajal, 49, for unlawfully taking oysters from a state water bottom, violating sanitation codes for human waste buckets and harvester logbook and improperly riding on decks or gunwales.
Agents were on patrol near Grand Caillou Bayou when they observed a commercial oyster vessel and crew actively harvesting oysters. Agents made contact with the crew and learned they did not have permission to harvest oysters from this state water bottom.
Agents also learned that Carbajal was the captain of the vessel and he failed to maintain his logbook, did not label his human waste bucket correctly or have a tight-fitting lid and had occupants improperly riding on the deck.
Agents seized two sacks of oysters and returned them to the water.
Unlawfully taking oysters from a state water bottom brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Violating sanitation codes for human waste buckets and harvester logbook carries up to a $25 fine for each offense. Improperly riding on decks or gunwales brings up to a $50 fine.