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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited a man for alleged oyster regulation violations in Cameron Parish on April 2.

Agents cited Jeremy K. Debarge, 36, from Cameron, for taking oysters from an unapproved polluted area, taking oysters during illegal hours and not having navigation lights on his vessel.

Agents were on patrol around midnight in lower Cameron Parish for illegal oyster harvesting activity when they observed a vessel operated by Debarge with no navigation lights at night.  Agents stopped the vessel and made contact with Debarge where he was harvesting oysters in a polluted area.

Agents found Debarge in possession of six sacks of oysters in the unapproved area.  Agents seized the six sacks of oysters and returned them to the water.

The taking of oysters is prohibited between the hours of one-half hour after sunset and until one-half hour before sunrise.

Taking oysters from an unapproved polluted area and taking oysters during illegal hours carry up to a $950 and 120 days in jail for each offense.  Debarge may also have his oyster harvester license revoked for one year if convicted.  No navigation lights for the brings up to a civil $50 fine.

Agents participating in the case are Corporal Michael Hebert, Sgt. Carl Pickett, and Senior Agent Michael Treadway.