LDWF Agents Cite Lafitte Man for Theft of Crab Traps
Aug. 5, 2019
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited a Lafitte man for alleged commercial fishing violations in Jefferson Parish on Aug. 2.
Agents cited Tracy Bruce, 46, for theft of crab traps, taking commercial fish without a license, taking commercial fish without a commercial gear license, using crab traps without required markings, illegal removal of contents and operating an unregistered motorboat.
Agents received a complaint that Bruce was fishing multiple traps belonging to other fishermen near Little Lake. On Aug. 2, agents stopped Bruce after watching him run traps he didn’t own.
Agents found him in possession of approximately two dozen crabs, 46 crab traps of which 40 didn’t belong to him and the other six were untagged, and without any commercial or recreational licenses. Bruce admitted to fishing many of the traps that day and on other occasions.
Theft of crab traps, illegal removal of contents, and using crab traps without required markings each carry a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail for each offense. Taking commercial fish without a license and taking commercial fish without a commercial gear license each bring a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for each offense. Operating an unregistered motor boat carries up to a $50 and 15 days in jail.
Agents seized the crabs and returned them to the water.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive email alerts, signup at http://www.wlf.la.gov/signup.
Contact: Adam Einck
Public Information
LDWF
(225) 765-2465
[email protected]
