A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agent has cited a Pierre Part man on several commercial fishing violations following an encounter on Nov. 13.
According to LDWF, Agent Savannah Lavergne cited Dustin Hebert, 33, for:
Taking commercial fish without a commercial gear license
Failing to tag nets
Operating a vessel during a license suspension
Failing to possess a commercial fishing license
Agent Lavergne was patrolling the area when she observed Hebert setting a gill net. Upon making contact, she determined that he did not possess the required commercial fishing or commercial gear licenses. She also discovered the gill net was untagged and that Hebert was operating a vessel while under an active license suspension.
Agent Lavergne seized the fish and released them back into the water alive.
Under Louisiana law:
Taking commercial fish without a commercial gear license and failing to tag nets each carry $250 to $500 fines and up to 90 days in jail.
Operating a vessel under license suspension carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.
Taking commercial fish without a commercial fishing license also brings a $250 to $500 fine.
LDWF officials say the case will be forwarded for prosecution.
