PLAQUEMINES PARISH, La. (KLFY) — Six men were cited by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents for alleged Red Snapper fishing violations in Plaquemines Parish June 25, authorities said.
Agents cited Encarnacion Lopez, 33, of Chalmette, and Juan Lopez, 39, Oscar Ofion, 30, Armando Aguilar, 45, Yony Martinez, 27 and Mario Castro, 46, five of whom are foreign nationals, for possessing over the limit of Red Snapper and possessing undersized Red Snapper, according to the LDWF.
Aguilar, Ofion, Castro, Juan Lopez and Martinez were also cited for not possessing an offshore landing permit. Ofion, Martinez and Castro were also cited for saltwater fishing without possessing a non-resident saltwater fishing license. Martinez and Castro were also cited for fishing without possessing a non-resident basic fishing license. The captain of the vessel, Juan Lopez, was also cited for not possessing a fire extinguisher, failing to comply with personal flotation device requirements and improper boat numbers.
Officials said agents were on patrol in the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish when they observed a 20-foot bay boat occupied by six occupants heading north in the river. Agents stopped the vessel to perform a boating safety and creel inspection.
During the inspection, agents found the men in possession of 120 Red Snappers of which 97 were undersized, authorities said. The recreational Red Snapper season began April 15 in both state and federal waters with a daily bag limit of four fish per person and a 16-inch total length minimum size limit.
Possessing over the limit of Red Snapper and undersized Red Snapper brings up to a $350 fine for each offense. Fishing without possessing non-resident basic fishing and saltwater fishing licenses also brings up to a $350 fine for each offense. Failing to possess a recreational offshore landing permit, improper boat numbers, failing to possess a fire extinguisher, failing to comply with PFD requirements carries up to a $50 fine for each offense.
The subjects also face civil restitution totaling $3,098 for the Red Snapper.
Agents seized all of the fish and donated them to the Second Harvest Food Bank on behalf of the Hunters for the Hungry Louisiana.
This investigation is still ongoing, and more charges may be pending, officials said.
Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.