Oyster violations on Big Lake

[Duck Butter]

March 21, 2011 - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents cited eight Louisiana individuals for alleged oyster violations on March 18 in Calcasieu Lake in Cameron Parish.
Agents cited Arthur Rene Guidry, 34, of Lake Charles; Casey Ray Richard, 25, of Sulphur; Kenneth Rammie Levergne, 53, of Sulphur; Misty L. Wood, 35, of Sulphur; Jimmy Leslie Constance III, 30, of Hackberry; Robert Scott Dupre, 39, of Sulphur; Jimmy Don Hammett, 57, of Sulphur; and Joseph Swire, 29, of Sulphur; for unlawfully taking oysters from state water bottoms in Calcasieu Lake.
Agents also cited Guidry, Constance III and Hammett for failing to display proper numbers on an oyster vessel.
Agents observed four oyster vessels engaged in harvesting oysters in a closed area on the lake. The vessels and occupants were escorted back to the landing where all eight of the fishermen were cited for the violations and released.
Agents seized the four vessels and dredges and returned the oysters to the water.
Unlawfully taking oysters from state water bottoms carries a fine between $400 and $950, or jail time up to 120 days or both plus court costs and forfeiture of anything seized. Failing to display proper numbers on an oyster vessel brings a $50 fine or jail time up to 15 days.