Two Men Cited by Wildlife Agents in Louisiana For Allegedly Taking Oysters From Unleased State-Owned Waters

Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – Two men have been cited by wildlife agents in Louisiana for allegedly taking oysters from unleased state-owned waters.

On April 27, 2023, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reported that an enforcement agent cited two Houma, Louisiana men for alleged oyster fishing violations on April 26 in Terrebonne Parish.

Emiliano Carvajal, 58, and Kelvin Reyes, 32, were cited by the agent for allegedly unlawfully taking oysters from state water bottoms.

The agent was patrolling near Bay Junop when he reportedly noticed the subjects actively dredging for oysters from an unleased state-owned water bottom. The agent made contact with the subjects and discovered 14 sacks of oysters in their possession.

The agent seized 14 oyster sacks and returned them to the waterway, as well as an oyster dredge.

Illegally taking oysters from state water bottoms is punishable by a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.

Sgt. Gerald Sander is the agent working on the case.

A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.