Fishing boats in Louisiana highlighting the need for regulatory compliance in the industry.
In Cameron Parish, Louisiana, five commercial fishermen have been cited for falsifying records involving nearly 60,000 pounds of crab. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) conducted an investigation after irregularities were reported in trip tickets. The fishermen created false documentation in collaboration with a local commercial dock, resulting in charges ranging from injuring public records to criminal conspiracy. The case underscores ongoing compliance issues within the fishing industry, highlighting the importance of accurate documentation for sustainable practices and fair competition.
Cameron Parish, Louisiana – Five commercial fishermen have been cited by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) for falsifying records related to nearly 60,000 pounds of crab. This action comes in the wake of an investigation initiated due to reports of irregularities in trip tickets used for tracking the seafood catch.
The individuals involved in this case have been identified as Selema Frank, 53; Wendy Hill, 43; Edward Naquin, 61; Angela LaBove, 50; and Francis Theriot, 60. The fishermen collaborated with a commercial dock located in Grand Chenier to create false documentation for their crab catches. LDWF officers uncovered a total of 125 falsified trip tickets during the investigation, which contained 175 manipulated daily transactions, amounting to 59,834 pounds of illegally documented crabs.
On April 16, the LDWF filed charges against the individuals, citing varying degrees of offenses. Frank faces charges of injuring public records, filing false public records, criminal conspiracy, and failing to maintain proper records. Hill has been charged with criminal conspiracy. Naquin is charged with failing to complete trip tickets and criminal conspiracy. LaBove faces charges similar to Frank, including injuring public records, criminal conspiracy, and filing false public records. Theriot is charged with failing to complete trip tickets, criminal conspiracy, and injuring public records.
If convicted, these individuals could face significant penalties. Fines for failing to maintain records could reach up to $500, and charges for injuring or filing false public records could be met with fines as high as $5,000 and potentially five years in jail. Charges related to criminal conspiracy carry similar repercussions, which may include both fines and imprisonment based on the nature of the underlying offenses.
The case in Cameron Parish illustrates persistent issues in the fishing industry, especially regarding compliance with harvesting regulations. LDWF has reported previous infractions in the region, including citations against four fishermen in Terrebonne Parish who were found in possession of immature female crabs, highlighting ongoing efforts by authorities to safeguard Louisiana’s fisheries and enforce responsible harvesting practices.
This investigation underscores the importance of regulatory compliance in the commercial fishing industry. Proper documentation is essential not only for tracking the sustainability of crab populations but also for maintaining fair economic practices among fishermen. Falsifying records undermines both ecological conservation efforts and fair competition in the marketplace.
The LDWF continues to monitor fishing activities closely and is committed to enforcing laws that protect marine resources. These recent citations serve as a reminder to commercial fishermen about the legal obligations related to reporting their catches accurately. With Louisiana being one of the nation’s leading states in the commercial fishing sector, ensuring adherence to regulations is crucial for preserving its invaluable marine ecosystems.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further actions may be taken against those violating regulatory standards in the future. The LDWF encourages anyone with information regarding illegal fishing practices to report their observations to help protect Louisiana’s fishing resources.
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