3 cited for harvesting polluted oysters

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ agents caught and cited two men and a woman, all from Houma, for allegedly taking oysters from Bayou Dominick in Terrebonne Parish - a polluted area that had been closed by the state. Agents cited Madge Cortez, 61; Moyces Narciso Carlos, 48; and Mario Gomez, 41. Agents observed the three subjects around 1 p.m. on Dec. 28 harvesting oysters from the bayou. The state Department of Health and Hospitals had closed that area to oyster harvesting due to high levels of fecal coliform bacteria, a sign of contamination from human or animal waste. Agents seized 15 sacks of oysters, about 1,500. They were returned to the water. The penalty for taking oysters from a polluted area is a fine of up to $950 and up to 120 days in jail. The suspects could also have their oyster harvester licenses revoked for up to a year and be required to perform 40 hours of community service. Cortez, who was in charge of the harvesting vessel, was also cited for violating log book requirements. The cause of the fecal contamination is unclear. (Source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries 01/02/19)