Two Louisiana Men Cited by Louisiana Wildlife Enforcement Agents for Commercial Fishing Without Proper Licenses

Louisiana – Two Louisiana men were cited by Louisiana wildlife enforcement agents for commercial fishing without the proper licenses.

On February 1, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reported that two men were cited by enforcement agents for alleged fishing violations in Grand Bayou, Plaquemines Parish.

Jeremiah Phillips, 42, and Donnie Tayman, 69, both of Port Sulphur, were cited for taking commercial fish without commercial fishing, commercial gear, or vessel licenses, according to agents.

Phillips was also cited for his fourth offense of fishing recreationally without a basic or saltwater fishing license, his second offense of culling oysters in a restricted area, and his third offense of fishing while under revocation. On January 13, agents apprehended and cited Phillips for these same offenses.

Tayman was also charged with fishing without a recreational basic or saltwater license, culling oysters in an unapproved area, and violating a no wake zone.

In Grand Bayou, agents observed a vessel operating in a no wake zone. When agents stopped the vessel to conduct a boating safety compliance check, they discovered the subjects in possession of crabs and oysters.

Tayman produced commercial licenses for other fishermen when agents asked for licenses, despite the fact that he did not have any. Phillips also lacked any commercial licenses because his license was revoked due to unpaid civil restitution to LDWF.

The men informed agents that they intended to sell the crabs while keeping the oysters for recreational purposes. Both men, however, lacked a recreational fishing license. In addition, the Department of Health culled the oysters in possession in a restricted area due to pollution.

Two sacks of oysters and 35 pounds of crabs were confiscated and returned to the water by agents.

Taking commercial fish without commercial fishing, gear, or vessel licenses, as well as culling oysters in an unapproved area, are punishable by a $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Recreational fishing without a basic or saltwater fishing license, as well as violating a no wake zone, can result in a $50 fine.

A $1,000 fine and 120 days in jail are possible penalties for the third offense of fishing while under revocation. Each violation of fishing without basic and saltwater fishing licenses carries a fine of up to $550. An $800 fine and 90 days in jail are imposed for a second offense of culling oysters in a restricted area.

Lt. Adam Young and Corporal Blaine Wagner are agents working on this case.

A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.