California Department of Fish and Wildlife officers were able to catch a pair of commercial fishers harvesting from a conservation area, following multiple days of surveillance.
According to CDFW, wildlife officers noticed a pattern of incursions taking place in Swamis State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA), a protected area where offshore fishing by vessel is prohibited. Law enforcement conducted a multi-day surveillance operation to identify the perpetrators and spotted a known commercial fisher actively harvesting fish in the conservation area. The individual had previous fishing violations on his record.
After watching the pair fish and retain their catch for some time, officers allowed the vessel to return to port and made contact there. Upon boarding, law enforcement discovered rockfish, yellowtail, and white seabass in ice-filled coolers. The catch was taken and sold by the officers, with proceeds held by CDFW until the case is settled.
The commercial fishers were both arrested, released, and cited for misdemeanor charges for fishing in the conservation area. According to CDFW, the violators face a fine of more that USD 5,000 (EUR 4,323)
