Two Port Sulphur Men Cited For Fishing Violations in Plaquemines Parish

Published 12:30 pm Thursday, February 2, 2023

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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited two men for alleged fishing violations in Grand Bayou in Plaquemines Parish on Feb. 1.

Agents cited Jeremiah Phillips, 42, and Donnie Tayman, 69, both of Port Sulphur, for taking commercial fish without commercial fishing, commercial gear, and vessel licenses.

Phillips was also cited for his fourth offense of recreationally fishing without basic and saltwater fishing licenses, second offense for culling oysters in a closed area, and third offense of fishing while under revocation.  Agents caught and cited Phillips for these same offenses on Jan. 13.

Tayman was also cited for fishing without recreational basic and saltwater licenses, culling oysters in an unapproved area and violation of a no wake zone.

Agents observed a vessel running in a posted no wake zone in Grand Bayou.   Agents stopped the vessel for a boating safety compliance check and found the subjects in possession of crabs and oysters.

When agents asked for licenses, Tayman produced commercial licenses for another fishermen and he did not possess any licenses.  Phillips also did not possess any commercial licenses as he is still under license revocation for unpaid civil restitution to LDWF.

The men told agents they planned to sell the crabs and keep the oysters for recreational consumption.  However, neither of the men possessed recreational fishing licenses. Also, the oysters in possession were culled in a closed area due to pollution by the Department of Health.

Agents seized two sacks of oysters and 35 pounds of crabs and returned them to the water.

Taking commercial fish without commercial fishing, gear and vessel licenses and culling oysters in an unapproved area carry up to a $500 fine and 90 days in jail for each offense.  Recreationally fishing without basic and saltwater fishing licenses and violation of a no wake zone brings up to a $50 fine for each offense.

Third offense for fishing while under revocation carries up to a $1,000 fine and 120 days in jail.  Fourth offense of fishing without basic and saltwater fishing licenses carries up to a $550 fine for each violation.  Second offense of culling oysters in a closed area brings up to an $800 fine and 90 day in jail.

Agents participating in this case are Lt. Adam Young and Corporal Blaine Wagner.