Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents cited four subjects for numerous recreational fishing violations in Plaquemines Parish on June 23.
Agents cited Nghia Huu Hoang, 33, Loan Huynh, 32, both from Harvey, Thang Van Tran, 38, of Avondale, and Truong Nguyen, 33, of Kenner, for intentional concealment of illegal fish, and red snapper, shark and triggerfish violations.
While on a joint enforcement agreement patrol in conjunction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service, agents stopped the four subjects aboard their vessel in Empire. During the stop, agents were shown a limit of red snapper.
After further investigation, agents discovered two hidden compartments in the bow of the vessel, which contained more red snapper and several sharks. The subjects were in possession of a total of 40 red snapper, 18 of which were under the minimum size limit of 16 inches, three sharks that were also under the minimum size limit of 54 inches and during the currently closed recreational season, and three triggerfish also during the currently closed recreational season.
Intentional concealment of illegal fish carries up to a $950 fine. Over limit of red snapper, possessing undersized red snapper, possession of shark and triggerfish during a closed season, and possessing undersized shark each brings up to a $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail for each offense. In addition to the penalties in court they will also be assessed $983.84 in civil restitution for the illegally taken fish.
Agents participating in the case are Sgt. Adam Young and Senior Agent Jason Gernados.
For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.
Agents cite four subjects for recreational fishing violations
