A Port Sulphur fisherman is facing charges of harvesting oysters tainted with fecal bacteria. James A. Phillips, 66, is also accused of leading a Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent on a pursuit after being spotted dredging oysters in a closed polluted area.
LDWF agents say the oysters were being harvested for sale and raw consumption. The agency says oysters came from an area of Grand Bayou declared off-limits by the Department of Health and Hospitals as being contaminated with fecal coliform bacteria, i.e.; human or animal waste.
When spotted, the agent reported, Phillips quickly pulled up his dredges and fled, leading the agent on a pursuit through the marsh.
During the chase, the agent says he witnessed three other men aboard Phillips' boat dumping oysters over the side. The chase ended when Phillips entered Sicola Canal #2 and abandoned the boat. The men were last seen running down a levee.
A search of the abandoned boat resulted in the recovery of oyster tags with Phillips' harvester identification.
LDWF agents obtained an arrest warrant on April 15 and set up an arrangement for Phillips to turn himself into authorities. Phillips was booked into the Plaquemines Parish Jail.
Phillips is facing charges of illegally taking oysters from a polluted area, taking oysters from unleased state water bottoms, intentional concealment of wildlife, reckless operation of a vessel, and flight from an officer. He faces fines and jail time, as well as the possibility of losing his oyster harvesting license for upwards of three years.
A search for the other three men aboard his boat at the time is still underway.