Associated Press - February 25, 2010 6:04 AM ET

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says two Plaquemines Parish men have been charged with violating laws that protect sharks.

The men - 50-year-old Hoa Van Dang and 44-year-old Hung Van Nguyen, both of Boothville - were found on Feb. 19 with 84 sharks. Agents say the men did not have permits to hunt sharks and had caught more than is permitted. Federal regulations allow 33 sharks for each permitted vessel.

State officials say the case will be turned over to federal authorities. The National Marine Fisheries Service and federal prosecutors will determine what charges and penalties to apply, if any.

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