Louisiana Fishermen Face Legal Trouble Ahead of Shrimp Season

Fishermen in Louisiana are eager to kick off the 2025 fall inshore shrimp season, but recent actions have landed them in hot water with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). With the official season opener set for Monday, August 11, illegal fishing activity has raised alarms among wildlife officers.

On Thursday, August 7, at around 8:30 p.m., LDWF officers were patrolling local waters when they encountered a shrimp vessel actively using skimmer nets in prohibited areas. This illicit activity led to the citation of Phuc Tran, a 54-year-old from Empire, Louisiana. In addition to facing a fine, Tran had 440 pounds of freshly caught shrimp seized from his possession, which the department later sold at the dock to the highest bidder.

Tran could face fines ranging from $400 to $950, along with the possibility of up to 120 days in jail for his actions.

Multiple Violations in a Short Span

Just two days prior, on August 5, LDWF agents cited two additional fishermen for similar violations. Jessie Voisin, 78, and Paul Verdin, 68, both from Grand Caillou, Louisiana, were found with 306 pounds of shrimp, which were also seized and sold.

Earlier in the month, on August 1, another individual, Julienne G. Creppell III, 56, of Buras, Louisiana, was cited by the LDWF and had 544 pounds of shrimp confiscated.

Each of these individuals now faces the likelihood of substantial fines and potential jail time as authorities continue to monitor illegal fishing activities in the region.

Conclusion

As Louisiana prepares for the upcoming shrimp season, these incidents serve as a stern reminder of the importance of adhering to fishing regulations. The LDWF remains vigilant in its efforts to protect marine resources and ensure that all fishermen operate within legal boundaries.

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