Four Men Cited by Louisiana Wildlife Agents for Commercial Oyster Fishing Violations, 12 Sacks Returned to the Water

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reported on September 27, 2022, that on September 24, enforcement agents cited four persons for alleged oyster fishing infractions in Terrebonne Parish.

Agents cited Jason Verdin, 27, Justin Verdin, 21, Scottie Hendon, 32, and Michael Smith, 32, with taking oysters during illegal hours. Agents also charged Jason Verdin with failing to complete his logbook, failing to cull oysters in proper location, failing to possess a commercial fishing license, and taking commercial fish without a commercial gear license.

Agents learned that an oyster boat was gathering oysters after sunset. Around 9:30 p.m., agents established contact with the captain of the oyster boat, Jason Verdin, and his crewmates near Montegut, Louisiana.

During the inspection, officials discovered that Jason Verdin had not filled out his logbook properly and did not have a commercial fishing license or a commercial gear license. Agents also discovered the subjects in possession of unsacked oysters on the vessel’s deck.

Agents seized and returned to the water the equivalent of 12 sacks of oysters.

Taking oysters during illegal hours brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Failing to cull oysters in a proper location, failing to possess a commercial fishing license, and failing to possess a commercial gear license carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for each offense. Failing to fill out the logbook penalty will be set by the local district court.

Corporal Jonathan Boudreaux and Sgt. Stephen Rhodes are the agents involved in the investigation.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.