Shrimp behind the weirs

[Ray]

Couple weeks ago, Gerald and I saw 20 or so boats throwing cast nets.
They were catching lots of big shrimp. I guess some of these folks got excited and kept more than they were supposed to.

From the LDWF website:
SEVEN PEOPLE CITED ON CAMERON PRAIRIE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Release Date: 10/06/2009
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited seven individuals on Sept. 26 for alleged recreational shrimping violations on Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge located in Cameron Parish.

Lewis Davis Jr., 49, Yvette Davis, 47, James McCown, 51, Bernadette Meyer, 52, Darrell Meyer, 50, all of Welsh; and Anthony Brock, 44, and Larry Demarest, 57, of Vinton; were all cited for violation of special refuge regulations for taking over the limit of shrimp. Lewis Davis, Yvette Davis, Darrell Meyer and Bernadette Meyer were also cited for violation of special refuge regulations for failing to maintain custody of shrimp.

Agents observed the seven as they cast netted on the refuge and noted the violations as they took place. Those cited for failing to maintain custody of shrimp were observed taking limits of shrimp off the refuge then returning to catch another limit.

The penalty for a violation of special refuge regulations is a fine between $250 and $5000, and/or jail time plus court costs. A $10 per pound restitution fee is also assessed on all shrimp taken in excess of the limit.

A total of 233 pounds of shrimp were seized in connection with these violations and were donated to the Calcasieu Parish Women's Shelter in Lake Charles and A City of Refuge in Vinton.