On the waterways of Terrebonne Parish, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries chalked up another enforcement action, this time targeting illicit oyster harvesting. On June 29, agents cited Liborio Villa, 74, of St. Bernard, for his actions off the Houma Navigational Canal near Cocodrie. According to a recent report on the LDWF website, Villa was caught harvesting oysters without a commercial gear license, which is mandated for the use of a scraper, the tool he was employing at the time of the bust.
Patrolling agents observed Villa from their own vessel, committed in the act of scraping for oysters. When approaching the man’s boat for a compliance check, it was discovered by them that Villa did not hold a commercial gear license. Consequently, his catch of the day—five sacks of oysters—were seized and returned to the water by the agents, as the law dictates in such scenarios.
The citation against Villa carries weight that could see him facing a fine ranging from $250 to $500. And in cases stirring enough trouble, violating commercial oyster harvesting regulations can also result in up to 90 days in jail. Legal boundaries put into effect to ensure sustainable practices are hereby underscored, as individual cases such as Villa’s shine a spotlight on the larger issues at stake for Louisiana’s oyster industry and ecosystem.
The enforcement operation was conducted by Corporal Richie Bean and Senior Agent Cody Salpietra.
