Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents have issued citations for fishing violations in Terrebonne Parish on January 20. The individual cited, Coty Boudreaux, 39, a resident of Houma, faces multiple charges including harvesting oysters from a designated polluted area, fishing while under license revocation, and fishing without both a basic and saltwater fishing license.
During a routine patrol, agents encountered Boudreaux while he was actively engaged in oyster fishing off Highway 56. A subsequent inspection revealed that he lacked any fishing licenses and was found in possession of half a sack of oysters.
The legal repercussions for Boudreaux are significant. Harvesting oysters from an unapproved area could result in fines ranging from $900 to $950, alongside possible jail time of up to 120 days. Additionally, each of the fishing without a license offenses could incur fines of nearly $350, while fishing during a license revocation could cost him an additional $250 to $500 and lead to up to 90 days in jail.
In a proactive approach to conservation, the agents seized the oysters and returned them to the water, demonstrating the commitment of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to protect the state’s natural resources. Agents Austin Anderson and Cody Salpietra were instrumental in this case, reminding the public of the importance of adhering to fishing regulations for the sustainability of local ecosystems.
This incident underscores the need for compliance with fishing regulations, which are in place not just for legal reasons, but to safeguard aquatic habitats and ensure future generations can enjoy Louisiana’s rich fishing resources.