Crabbing in Louisiana can be a lucrative business, but it has its rules. Two local crabbers recently found out the hard way when they ran afoul of state regulations. According to a press release from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, agents ticketed Adam Foret, 34, and Kevin Hebert, 46, for tending to their crab traps in waters that were off-limits due to a cleanup initiative.
The department's agents were patrolling near Cocodrie when they spotted Foret working on traps during the no-fishing window set aside for the Derelict Crab Trap Removal Program. Not only was the area closed to commercial crabbing, but Foret was also cited for not having a commercial gear license. In another incident, crab traps belonging to Hebert were found within an area closed for commercial crabbing on Feb. 27, part of the same conservation effort, as reported by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Such environmental programs are crucial for maintaining the health of marine ecosystems by removing abandoned traps that can harm wildlife. Foret's lack of a license adds a layer of illegality to an already illicit activity. The agents on the case, including Agent Carl Reed, Sgt. Norman Deroche, and Agent Jacob Stelly, seized 40 pounds of blue crab from Foret and released them back into the wild, as stated by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
For those thinking of skirting the rules, the penalties can be stiff. Violating abandoned crab trap removal regulations can lead to a fine ranging from $400 to $950 and up to 120 days in jail. Taking commercial fish without the proper gear license could cost between $250 and $500 in fines, and possibly up to 90 days behind bars, as per the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
