BATON ROUGE - There are nine new state wildlife and fisheries enforcement agents on the force.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries graduated its 30th cadet class Wednesday during a ceremony in Baton Rouge.

After six months of intensive physical and academic training, officials say the newly commissioned agents are ready to begin enforcing hunting, fishing and boating regulations that govern the use of the state's natural resources.

The department's secretary, Charlie Melancon, told the new agents that in their job, they're the "last line of defense in ensuring our wildlife and fishery management plans are carried out so that future generations can enjoy everything Louisiana has to offer."

The new agents are assigned to Allen, Caddo, Catahoula, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. James, Vernon and Winn parishes.