Three Cameron Men Cited for Illegal Shrimping on Cameron Prairie NWR in Louisiana
OutdoorHub 06.06.12
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents cited three Cameron men for alleged fishing violations on May 29 on Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge.
Agents cited Anthony G. Theriot, 36, Philip LeJeune Sr., 50, and Jerimie M. Pugh, 37, for taking and possessing game fish with illegal methods, leaving fishing nets unattended, blocking the passage of fish, taking shrimp with illegal gear and trawling at night.
Around 7:30 p.m. on May 29, LDWF agents observed a vessel traveling across the southern end of Calcasieu Lake before stopping in Grand Bayou where the subjects placed a shrimp trawl across the opening at the Grand Bayou water control structure. Grand Bayou is located on the Cameron Prairie NWR in Cameron Parish.
With the aid of handheld thermal imaging systems, agents watched the subjects placing and running the trawl and emptying the shrimp into the vessel. After the three men emptied their net they would leave the trawl and travel in to Calcasieu Lake to cull shrimp.
Around 10:15 p.m. agents made contact with the three men. Agents seized 661 pounds of shrimp, two speckled trout, a 36 foot shrimp trawl and their vessel.
The three men may also facing federal charges through the U.S. Attorney’s Office for violating rules on a National Wildlife Refuge since this NWR does not allow commercial fishing activity nor night time fishing.
Taking and possessing game fish with illegal methods brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in prison. Leaving nets unattended carries a $500 to $750 fine and 15 to 30 days in jail. Blocking the passage of fish and taking shrimp with illegal gear each brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Trawling at night brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail.
Agents participating in the case were Senior Agent Carl Pickett, Sgt. Aaron Herpin, Sgt. David Sanford and Senior Agent Stuart Guillory.
