A Mexican native has been cited by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for alleged commercial oyster violations worth over $350,000.
Luis A. Garcia, 23, was stopped on the state’s public oyster seed ground in Lake Borgne in November. Officials with the LDWF conducted a license and creel check.
Garcia showed authorities residential commercial fishing licenses issued to Louisiana residents, though he admittedly lives in Mexico, according to the LDWF.
When asked if he had additional identification, Garcia showed authorities non-commercial fishing licenses from Texas that listed his current address in Mexico as well as a valid Mexican ID.
Based on this documentation, officials eventually determined Garcia had fraudulently obtained the residential licenses he held for Louisiana.
Researching Garcia’s trip tickets, authorities say he illegally caught, landed and sold 5,915 sacks of oysters last year. The value of his hauls? $354,900.
State law dictates that the punishment for fraudulently obtaining a license in Louisiana and failing to have commercial fishing and vessel licenses and commercial gear is up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine per offense.
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