June 14, 2005

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division (LDWF) agents caught a Galliano couple for allegedly taking shrimp illegally on May 25.
Agents cited Elizabeth Griffin, 33, and arrested Cecil Griffin, 58, after the two were seen using a butterfly net and sheets of plywood to block a bayou intersecting Bayou Lafourche near Golden Meadow in southern Lafourche Parish.

The plywood was used to funnel the water flow into their 22-foot butterfly net, which is illegal because it blocks the free passage of fish or shrimp with fishing gear. State law requires a minimum five-foot wide channel to remain open in the deepest portion of the channel, and shrimp nets may not be used in conjunction with such devices.

LDWF records show that this is the fifth time Griffin has been cited for this violation and he was subsequently booked into the Lafourche Parish Jail.

Blocking free passage of fish or shrimp carries a fine of $250 to $500 or jail time up to 90 days or both plus court costs for the first offense. The fine for this violation increases on the third and subsequent offenses to $750 to $1000 and jail time between 90 and 120 days. Any items seized in connection to this case are subject to forfeiture to LDWF.

Agents participating in this case were Sgt. Chad Hebert and Senior Agent Thomas DeWitt.

For more information, contact Lt. Col. Keith LaCaze at 225-765-2988. klacaze@wlf.louisiana.gov.