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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited a Buras man for alleged charter guide violations in Plaquemines Parish on May 16.

Agents cited Ryan Arceneaux, 37, with Scale Damage Bowfishing, for failing to comply with charter boat regulations by not having a U.S. Coast Guard passenger guide license, state charter guide license, failing to provide proof of liability insurance, and for no navigation lights on his vessel.  The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office (PPSO) also cited him for violating the parish noise ordinance as it pertains to airboats operating in Plaquemines Parish.

Agents were on patrol in Myrtle Grove working bow fishing charters in conjunction with the PPSO when Arceneaux was stopped with paying customers and didn’t possess any licenses to operate a charter guide service.  This is Arceneaux’s second offense since 2020 for not having the charter guide licenses and proof of insurance required by Louisiana.

LDWF requires all charter fishermen to have a U.S. Coast Guard Captains license, a charter boat fishing guide license issued by the department and proof of at least $300,000 liability insurance all in their possession while on the water and fishing.

Second offense of not having a U.S. Coast Guard passenger guide license, state charter guide license and failing to have proof of liability insurance brings a $1,000 to $5,000 fine and 180 days to two years in jail for each offense.

The case will be forwarded to Distract Attorney Charles Ballay for prosecution.  Agents participating in the case are Sgt. Villere Reggio and Agent Shea Schexnaydre along with members of the PPSO Marine Division.