This is the kina thing that is screwing our outdoors up

[Ray]

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents cited the owner of the Hong Kong Food Market in Jefferson Parish on Feb. 9 for alleged exotic fish violations pertaining to the purchase, storage and sale of live tilapia.

The business owner, Jennifer Campbell, 29, of Gretna, was issued a citation for illegally possessing and purchasing exotic fish without a permit, which carries a fine between $400 and $950, up to 120 days in jail, or both plus court costs for each count charged.

The LDWF New Orleans Enforcement Office took multiple complaints from concerned citizens about the market possessing and selling live tilapia on site. Agents responded to the market and observed the live fish on the premises with signage indicating that the fish were for sale.

LDWF requires that any person or establishment that purchases, possesses or sells any live exotic species of fish, including tilapia, may only do so with a special permit issued by the department. Agents found the permit issued to the owner of the market had expired on June 30, 2009. After a thorough investigation and records inspection, agents discovered the Hong Kong Food Market had made at least 13 separate purchases of live tilapia totaling 4,355 pounds of the fish.

A total of 84 pounds of live tilapia were seized and sold for a total of $67.20. The disposition of these funds is pending until court proceedings are finalized.