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FOUNDATION CREATES L.D.W.F. EMPLOYEE RELIEF FUND
LOUISIANA SEAFOOD BOARD LAUNCHES MESSAGE BOARD FOR GULF COAST
SEAFOOD INDUSTRY
L.D.W.F. PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES INDICATE KATRINA MAY COST
STATE FISHERIES' INDUSTRIES $1.3 BILLION
L.D.W.F. ENDS CALL FOR BOAT RESCUE VOLUNTEERS
HURRICANE KATRINA: L.D.W.F. SEARCH AND RESCUE MISSIONS
CONTINUE
SIX CITED FOR OYSTER VIOLATIONS IN PLAQUEMINES PARISH
SULPHUR
MAN CITED FOR D.W.I. IN A MOTORBOAT
FISHERMAN CITED FOR CRAB TRAP VIOLATIONS
SIX ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH METH LAB IN KISATCHIE NATIONAL
FOREST
UNDERAGE DRINKERS CITED ON THE CALCASIEU RIVER
ALLEN PARISH MAN CITED FOR ILLEGAL CAPTURE OF TWO SPOTTED FAWNS
UNLICENSED OYSTER DEALER AND FISHERMEN GET NABBED
LAKE
CHARLES BOATER ARRESTED FOR FOURTH OFFENSE D.W.I.
L.D.W.F. ENFORCEMENT AGENTS RECEIVE AWARDS
FOUNDATION CREATES L.D.W.F. EMPLOYEE RELIEF FUND
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation has set up an account for
the purpose of donating to LDWF employees and their families who have been
displaced from their homes and have suffered losses as a result of Hurricane
Katrina. This includes the many personnel and their families who worked in
or around the New Orleans area. Funds will be used to assist employees with
housing, clothing and other items lost due to the hurricane.
Anyone who wishes to donate to the fund should contact Hibernia National
Bank with the following account information: LDWF EMPLOYEE RELIEF FUND
(Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation) or mail a check to Louisiana
Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation, Attn: John Campbell, P.O. Box 2471,
Baton Rouge, LA 70821. Donors should designate on the check that it is for
the LDWF Employee Relief Fund.
LOUISIANA SEAFOOD BOARD LAUNCHES MESSAGE BOARD FOR GULF COAST SEAFOOD
INDUSTRY
The Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board has announced it is
launching a web message board in partnership with Seafood Business designed
to reunite members of the Gulf Coast and Louisiana seafood industry affected
by Hurricane Katrina.
The posting board, which can be accessed through
www.LouisianaSeafood.com,
will provide a platform for separated family members and acquaintances to
post information on their whereabouts and the status of their loved ones.
It will also provide the means for fishermen to report on damages and losses
to the industry by sector and location in each state.
Information gathered will be used to help assess the status of the Louisiana
seafood industry, which has a $2.6 billion economic impact to the state.
"In the wake of this enormous tragedy and the massive destruction caused by
Katrina, the internet has proven to be the most efficient form of
communication," said Ewell Smith, executive director of the Louisiana
Seafood Board. "We hope this will help us begin to rebuild our industry
while aiding the thousands of lives and businesses associated with Louisiana
seafood."
For those looking to help, Gov. Blanco has established the Louisiana
Disaster Recovery Foundation to collect and distribute donations to private
and public entities for disaster relief for losses and/or damages brought on
as a result of Hurricane Katrina. More information on the foundation can be
found on
www.Louisiana.gov and donations can be made payable to Louisiana
Disaster Recovery Foundation, Inc., c/o Division of Administration, 1201
North Third Street, Suite 7-240, P.O. Box 94095, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9095,
225-342-7000, Fed. Tax ID No. 20-3399944
The Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board was established in 1984
to meet the challenges set by dramatic changes in the marketplace and the
environment. The Board seeks to strengthen and revitalize the Louisiana
seafood industry by identifying threats and executing strategic plans to
overcome them. The Board is composed of 15 members who each represent a
sector of the Louisiana seafood industry: harvesters, processors,
wholesalers, restaurateurs, retailers, fisheries resource managers, public
health officers and marketing specialists.
L.D.W.F. PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES INDICATE KATRINA MAY COST
STATE FISHERIES'
INDUSTRIES $1.3 BILLION
The Louisiana Department and Wildlife and Fisheries' preliminary estimates
indicate a potential $1.1 billion loss in retail fisheries revenue over the
next year and an additional $150 million loss in oyster revenue in the
second year due to Hurricane Katrina damage.
That number would represent a 40 percent loss to the total value of the
state's commercial and recreational retail harvest values based on 2003
sales levels of $2.85 billion.
Estimates assume that the hurricane's impact is limited to the parishes of
Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany and lower
Lafourche. The estimates are based on available historical data using
previous losses sustained after hurricanes and recent retail sales totals
for prior years.
"These projections are subject to adjustment as air and water surveys are
made over the next several months," said John Roussel, assistant secretary
for LDWF's Office of Fisheries.
For oysters, the department used studies of resource mortality caused by
hurricanes Ivan and Andrew to estimate mortality of existing resources. The
initial estimate is a 99 percent loss of oyster resources in the area from
Bayou Lafourche east to the Mississippi state line. The retail sales losses
for the oyster industry, based on recent departmental surveys of public
oyster grounds, reflect a two-year projected shortfall of $296 million when
compared to the productivity of recent years.
Potential retail sales losses for the state's other primary commercial
fishing industries (over the next 12 months) include: shrimp, $539 million;
crab, $81 million; saltwater fish, $79 million; menhaden, $93 million; and
freshwater fish, $1.2 million.
Additionally, recreational fisheries losses over the next year could total
almost $200 million at the retail level. Approximately 63 percent of the
515 licensed charter and guide vessels were registered in the severely
affected parishes.
Loss of infrastructure supporting the fisheries industry and long term
impacts to fisheries habitat are more difficult to quantify. Infrastructure
losses are characterized as lost or damaged vessels, docks, ice plants and
processing facilities, but also include roads and bridges, truck traffic,
cold storage facilities, boat ramps, launches, marinas and bait and tackle
shops. No estimates are currently available for the percentage of
infrastructure lost in the storm or long term changes to important coastal
fisheries habitat.
L.D.W.F. ENDS CALL FOR BOAT RESCUE VOLUNTEERS
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is no longer
collecting boat rescue volunteer information. Receding water and an
overwhelming response from private citizens, search and rescue organizations
and other state and federal agencies have satisfied the need for additional
rescue resources.
LDWF Enforcement Division agents have rescued more than 20,000 people in
southeastern Louisiana who were left stranded in high water by Hurricane
Katrina, which struck the gulf coast on Aug. 29.
The department received the assistance of groups from Tennessee, Texas,
Kentucky, South Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, New York, Virginia, Minnesota,
Michigan, Illinois, Maryland and Oklahoma and other state and federal
agencies in water rescue. The U.S. Coast Guard and Louisiana Air National
Guard also actively engaged in search and rescue missions.
LDWF would like to thank the more than 1,000 individuals and groups from
across the country that called in to pledge their support in the rescue
effort, and the media that spread the message of our need for volunteer
boaters.
HURRICANE KATRINA: L.D.W.F. SEARCH AND RESCUE MISSIONS
CONTINUE
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries search and rescue missions in
southeastern Louisiana continue to successfully extract residents from the
area affected by Hurricane Katrina. The department had rescued an estimated
10,000 people by Saturday evening.
Among the missions completed Friday, LDWF Enforcement Division Agents
assisted in evacuating patients from Tulane Medical Center, Charity
Hospital, Methodist Hospital Chalmette Medical Center and Lakeview Medical
Center. Agents also picked up more than 400 evacuees near Gravier Street
and more than 200 individuals around inner city New Orleans.
"Gov. Kathleen Blanco has given LDWF and all state agencies the green-light
to do everything necessary to get our jobs done," said LDWF Secretary Dwight
Landreneau. "And we're doing it."
Approximately 400 LDWF employees have been devoted to the effort.
Enforcement staff and other rescue groups have been working 16-hour shifts
using 500 boats since Aug. 29.
The department is cooperating with groups from Tennessee, Texas, Kentucky,
South Carolina, Colorado, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and California and other
state and federal agencies in water rescue. The U.S. Coast Guard and
Louisiana Air National Guard are also actively engaged in search and rescue
missions.
As the evacuation continues, rescue groups from 12 additional states will be
assisting with rescues and refreshing active personnel.
SIX CITED FOR OYSTER VIOLATIONS IN PLAQUEMINES PARISH
Agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division cited six individuals on Aug. 15 for allegedly taking oysters
commercially from an area in Plaquemines Parish closed due to pollution by
the state Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH).
Agents saw John Phillippe, 24, Paul Sylve Jr., 25, Jeremiah Phillips, 25,
and Danny Phillips, 39, all of Port Sulphur, and Mark Phillips, 22, and
Edward Phillips, 18, both of Belle Chasse using small flatboats to dredge
oysters in the Grand Bayou area. This area is closed to oyster harvesting
due to ongoing water sampling by the DHH Oyster Water Monitoring Program.
Water samples exceeding certain limits of fecal coliform bacteria are closed
because of an increased chance of illness from eating contaminated oysters.
Additionally, John Phillippe was cited for taking commercial fish without a
vessel license and without a commercial gear license for the oyster dredge
being used. All of the captains were issued citations for failing to have
the boat number properly displayed on their vessels.
Seized from the investigation were 24 sacks of oysters that were returned to
the water and three oyster dredges that will be held for evidence.
The penalty for taking oysters from an unapproved area is a fine up to $750,
or jail time up to 120 days or both, plus court costs and forfeiture of
anything seized. If convicted, the fisherman may harvest oysters only from a
vessel equipped with a vessel monitoring system.
The penalty for taking commercial fish without a gear license and a vessel
license is a fine up to $500, and jail time up to 90 days or both, plus
court costs for each offense.
The penalty for failing to display numbers on the vessel is a $50 fine, or
jail time up to 15 days or both.
Agents participating in the cases were Senior Agents Adam Young and Villere
Reggio.
SULPHUR MAN CITED FOR D.W.I. IN A MOTORBOAT
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
arrested a Sulphur man for allegedly operating a motorboat while intoxicated
on the Calcasieu Ship Channel in Calcasieu Parish on Aug. 14.
While conducting a boating safety inspection, agents noticed White
exhibiting indications of impairment. White performed poorly on field
sobriety tests and was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Parish
Correctional Center.
First offense DWI is punishable by a fine between $125 and $500 and
imprisonment between 10 days and six months.
Agents participating in the case were Lt. Remy Broussard and Agent Aaron
Herpin.
FISHERMAN CITED FOR CRAB TRAP VIOLATIONS
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
cited a commercial fisherman for allegedly using crab traps without the
required markings in the Calcasieu Ship Channel in Cameron Parish on Aug. 5.
Agents observed Roger B. Kelly, 39, of Hackberry as he tended his crab
traps. A subsequent check revealed that some of his traps were not properly
tagged with the fisherman's license number, and the two traps were seized as
evidence.
The penalty for using traps without the required markings is a fine up to
$750, or up to 120 days in jail or both, plus court costs.
Participating in the case were Sgt. David Liles and Senior Agent Keith
Aucoin.
SIX ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH METH LAB IN KISATCHIE NATIONAL FOREST
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division
agents teamed with several state and federal agencies in the arrest of six
people in connection with a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in
Kisatchie National Forest near Mink-Hutton Road in rural Natchitoches Parish
on July 23, 2005.
After receiving information on a possible clandestine methamphetamine
laboratory at a campsite on Kisatchie National Forest land, the Vernon
Parish Drug Task Force contacted LDWF agents and the U.S. Forest Service,
both of whom later received additional tips. The Natchitoches Parish Drug
Task Force was contacted after it was determined the location of the camp
was in Natchitoches Parish. After two days of surveillance on the suspected
"meth lab", a multi-agency team raided the campsite after suspects allegedly
finished a synthesizing or "cooking" the drug. This led to the seizure of
several cylinders of anhydrous ammonia, a quantity of suspected
methamphetamines, other dangerous chemicals, a three-wheeler, weapons and a
power generator.
Charles L. Basco, 34, of Flatwoods, Krystal D. Jeane, 27, of Port Barre,
Michael J. Keller, 34, of Leesville, and Jesse W. Williams, 29, of
Leesville, were arrested for manufacturing crystal methamphetamine, creating
and operating a clandestine laboratory, possessing a Schedule II controlled
dangerous substance (CDS II) crystal methamphetamine with intent to
distribute and reckless handling of hazardous materials. Basco, Jeane, and
Williams were also arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. In
addition, Basco was booked for a probation violation and Williams for
illegal carrying of weapons, possession of a firearm while in possession of
a controlled dangerous substance and possession of stolen property.
Justin W. Williams, 24, of Leesville, and Charre L. Chabot, 38, of Hineston
were also arrested in connection with the case. Williams was booked for
possession of CDS II crystal methamphetamine and possession of drug
paraphernalia and Chabot for conspiracy to manufacture crystal
methamphetamine.
Manufacturing of crystal methamphetamine and possession of CDS II crystal
methamphetamine with intent to distribute are each punishable by
imprisonment with hard labor between two and 30 years and a fine up to
$50,000.
The penalty for creation and operation of a clandestine laboratory is
imprisonment with hard labor between five and 15 years and a fine up to
$25,000.
Reckless handling of hazardous materials is punishable by a fine between
$5,000 and $10,000 per day of violation, or imprisonment with or without
hard labor between five and 10 years or both. If convicted, the subjects
may be ordered to pay restitution for cleanup costs of hazardous waste
resulting from the operation of a lab or from the unlawful manufacture of a
controlled dangerous substance.
The penalty for conspiracy to manufacture crystal methamphetamine is
imprisonment with hard labor between one and 15 years and a fine up to
$25,000.
Possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous
substance is punishable with a fine up to $10,000 and imprisonment with hard
labor between five years and 10 years without the benefit of probation,
parole or suspension of the sentence.
The penalty for possession of CDS II crystal methamphetamine is imprisonment
with or without hard labor up to five years and a fine up to $5,000.
Illegal carrying of weapons is punishable by a fine up to $2,000, or
imprisonment with or without hard labor between one and two years or both.
The penalty for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of stolen
property is imprisonment up to six months, or a fine up to $500 or both.
Participating in the case were LDWF agents Lt. Bill Tyree and Senior Agent
Russell Brack, USFS Officer Jeff Tarpley, and agents from both Natchitoches
Parish and Vernon Parish Drug Task Forces.
UNDERAGE DRINKERS CITED ON THE CALCASIEU RIVER
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
cited three men and one juvenile for allegedly possessing alcohol under the
legal age of 21 on the Calcasieu River on July 30.
Michael Treavor Haviland, 17, of Lake Charles, Brad Joseph Leblanc, 19, of
Sulphur, Christopher Shelton Dowers, 18, of Sulphur and a juvenile were
canoeing when agents stopped them to perform a boating safety inspection.
Agents saw numerous beer cans in the canoes. Beer was also discovered in
ice chests in the canoes, and an additional case of beer was in plain view
in the canoe occupied by Haviland and the juvenile.
The maximum penalty for public possession of alcoholic beverages by anybody
less than 21-years-old is a fine of $100, or imprisonment for six months or
both.
Agents participating in the case were Lt. Jesse Savoie and Senior Agent
Joseph James.
ALLEN PARISH MAN CITED FOR ILLEGAL CAPTURE OF TWO SPOTTED FAWNS
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
issued two citations to a man from Mitte for allegedly taking and possessing
two spotted fawns in the months of June and July.
Agents obtained evidence on Billy Thomas Henry Jr., 33, from an
investigation of a complaint on July 24. During the investigation, agents
found skeletal remains of a second spotted fawn that was captured in the
wild by Henry. Agents also gathered evidence on the first spotted fawn from
a creek where Henry had disposed of the remains.
Agents obtained voluntary statements from witnesses, which led agents to the
identity of Henry. Henry gave a voluntary statement that he captured both
fawns in the wild, which he kept at his residence inside and outside of his
home. Both spotted fawns died at different unknown dates.
Henry was additionally issued civil restitution for the replacement value of
each spotted fawn for reimbursement payment to the state. The penalty for
taking or possessing spotted fawns is a fine between $500 and $750 and jail
time between 15 and 30 days.
Agents participating in the case were Senior Agents Joey James and Steven
Vidrine.
UNLICENSED OYSTER DEALER AND FISHERMEN GET NABBED
Agents from the Special Investigations Unit of the Louisiana Department of
Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division recently cited the M.P.M.
Fisheries LLC owner and manager, Kyle M. Sadler, and five commercial oyster
fishermen for oyster violations.
Sadler, 35, of Bourg, was cited for allegedly buying and selling seafood
without a wholesale/retail dealers license, violating interstate commerce
regulations, 83 counts of failing to maintain records and three counts for
failing to report commercial fishery data.
Commercial fishermen Nathan J. Thibodeaux, 41, Lloyd J. Nelton, 44, and
Nollie P. Verrett, 40, all from Montegut, Robert A. Henry, 25, of Bourg, and
Gary J. Thibodeaux, 45, of Chauvin, La were cited for allegedly 92 counts of
failing to complete trip-ticket records for the sale of 7,207 sacks of
oyster.
On July 1, agents met Kyle Sadler and found that the company did not have a
wholesale/retail seafood license. This license is required in order for a
seafood dealer to purchase seafood from commercial fishermen. Agents also
found that Sadler did not completed trip tickets on the purchase of 4,302
sacks of shell stock oysters from commercial fishermen. Sadler failed to
submit required monthly submission sheets to LDWF on three separate
occasions and he violated interstate commerce regulations by shipping 5,601
sacks of shell stock oysters out of state without having a license.
Louisiana law requires a commercial sales receipt be completed at the time
of each sale and certain information must be entered on the commercial sales
receipt at that time. Such records are required for LDWF tracking of the
quantity of oysters harvested from Louisiana waters.
Selling and buying oysters without a wholesale/retail dealer's license,
failing to maintain or complete records for oyster transactions and failing
to report fishery information to LDWF, each carry a fine of $250 to $500 or
jail time up to 90 days, or both plus court costs. The penalty for
violating interstate commerce regulations carries a fine of $900 to $950 or
jail time up to 120 days, or both plus court costs.
Agents participating in the case were Lt. Jay Diez, Sgt. Billy Gomillion and
Sr. Agents Joel Cromp and Jason Dreher.
LAKE CHARLES BOATER ARRESTED FOR FOURTH OFFENSE D.W.I.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
arrested a Lake Charles man on July 31 for allegedly operating a boat while
intoxicated.
The arrest came after agents stopped a pontoon boat operated by Joshua
Daniel Nelsen, 24, on the Calcasieu River north of Lake Charles. During the
boating equipment safety inspection it became apparent to the agents that
Nelsen was operating a watercraft under the influence of alcohol. He was
given a series of field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest while
still on the water and transported to the Calcasieu Parish Correctional
Facility where he was booked for DWI fourth offense.
The penalty for fourth offense DWI is between 10 and 30 years of jail time
with hard labor.
Agents participating in the case were Capt. Jubal Marceaux, Lt. Remy
Broussard and Agent Aaron Herpin.
L.D.W.F. ENFORCEMENT AGENTS RECEIVE AWARDS
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries acknowledged outstanding
service of four Enforcement Division agents at the Louisiana Wildlife and
Fisheries Commission's Aug. 4 meeting.
The Enforcement Division presented the "Meritorious Service Award" to Sgt.
Eric Stokes, a 30-year veteran serving the Rapides Parish area, for being a
top litter enforcer. Sgt. Stokes also received an award from the Executive
Director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful Inc., Leigh Harris, for his litter
enforcement.
"Lifesaving Awards" went to Lt. Rick Owens, from Delhi, and Sgts. James
Hagan and Darren Bruce, both from Oak Grove, for their rescue of a
Mississippi man on the Mississippi river, who was ejected from his out of
control boat, on the afternoon of July 12. Chris Budwine of Vicksburg,
Miss. was floating in the river while his boat was circling at high rates of
speed around him without a pilot slamming into tugboats twice. After nearly
getting hit by the runaway boat, Budwine was pulled by the agents into their
boat.
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