OYSTER FISHERS CITED FOR TAKING OYSTERS WITHOUT PERMISSION

On July 10 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited Virgil DarDar, 45, of Montegut, and Jason DarDar, 26, and Guillermo Marrero, 31, both of Bay St.Louis, Miss., with allegedly taking oysters from a private lease and taking oysters without written permission. Agents responded to a complaint that an oyster boat named "Cajun Viagra Express" was dredging oysters on a private lease in the Lake Borgne area of St. Bernard Parish. Upon inspection of the vessel, the agents found 39 sacks of oysters, and the three oyster fishermen did not have permission to harvest oysters from the lease they were working. The agents cited the three men, returned the oysters to the reef, and seized two oyster dredges. Unlawfully taking oysters off a private lease is a Class 6 offense for which the penalty is a fine of up to $950, jail for not more than 120 days, or both, plus court costs. Taking oysters without written permission is a Class 4 violation for which the penalty is a fine of up to $750, jail for not more than 120 days, or both, plus court costs.  The penalty also includes forfeiture of anything seized in connection with the case upon conviction.  Participating in the case were Agents Adam Young and Jason Gernados.