Louisiana Department of Wildlife And Fisheries Enforcement Division cited a Texas man for alleged crabbing violations on April 27.
LDWF agents say they cited Thanh Van Nguyen, of Bridge City, Texas, for taking female crabs during a closed season and violating interstate commerce regulations.
LDWF agents along with Texas Parks and Wildlife agents are working jointly to detect Texas commercial fishermen coming into Louisiana waters and catching female crabs and then selling them in Texas.
There is currently a closure on the taking of female crabs in Louisiana waters for the commercial fishermen during the months of March and April. There is no closure for the take of female crabs in Texas waters. Agents also learned that Nguyen does not possess the required licenses for crabs in Texas because of past violations.
LDWF agents report that they observed Nguyen running crab traps in Louisiana waters and then notified TPW agents about Nguyen trying to sell his catch at a seafood dock just off the Sabine River in Texas.
LDWF agents seized two crab crates containing 224 female crabs and returned the crabs to the water.
Violating interstate commerce regulations carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Taking female crabs during a closed brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail.
