Agents of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division's Oyster Strike Force cited five men on Sunday, July 27, for taking oysters from a polluted area in Terrebonne Parish. A boat occupied by the five was spotted dredging in area closed to harvest near Bayou Sale. The occupants of the vessel were identified as Samuel Dobson, 23, of Houma, Joseph Fitch, 20, of Dularge, Milivoj Marinkovic, 45, of Texas City, Texas, Juan Cervantes, 37, of New Iberia, and Ekrem Hyseni, 23, of San Leon, Texas.

All five subjects were issued citations for taking oysters from an unapproved area. Approximately 70 sacks of oysters seized and returned to the water.

The penalty for taking oysters from an unapproved area is a fine of up to $750, up to 120 days in jail, or both, plus court costs and forfeiture of any seized items.