Louisiana Man Cited for Oyster Fishing Violations, 51 Sacks Seized and Returned to the Water

Louisiana – The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reported on September 26, 2022, that enforcement agents cited a Theriot man for alleged oyster fishing infractions in Terrebonne Parish on September 20.

Agents cited Abelardo Carbajal, 59, for violating the oyster sanitation code.

When agents were on patrol in Oyster Bayou, they came across Carbajal, who was actively oyster fishing. Carbajal was found in breach of three sanitation requirements after agents conducted a license and compliance check. Carbajal neglected to tag the oysters while they were refrigerated, did not have a tarp put to protect the work area, and did not complete his logbook.

Agents seized and returned 51 sacks of oysters to the water.

Violations of the refrigeration sanitation requirement result in a fine of $400 to $950 and up to 120 days in jail. The district court determines the penalties for failing to complete a logbook and lay a tarp over the work area.

Lt. Joey Thompson, Corporal Norman Deroche, Sgt. Jake Darden, and Agent Jebadiah Kraft are the agents involved in the investigation.