Report: Two men caught harvesting polluted oysters in Terrebonne

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) -State wildlife agents cited two Houma men for allegedly harvesting oysters in a polluted area in Terrebonne Parish, according to a report by our partners NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune.

The report said Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents spotted the men dredging for oysters in the Sister Lake Public Oyster Seed Reservation on Dec. 11.

According to the report, state health officials say the area is closed due to high levels of fecal coliform bacteria, a sign of contamination from human or animal waste.

Agents seized 17 sacks of oysters, which amounts to about 1,600 oysters.

The oysters were returned to the water, according to the report.

The penalty for taking oysters from a polluted area is a fine of up to $950 and up to 120 days in jail. The suspects could also have their oyster harvester licenses revoked for up to one year and be required to perform 40 hours of community service.