The California Fish and Game Commission revoked the commercial fishing licenses of two individuals with long histories of violating state regulations at its June meeting, acting on the advice of state law enforcement.
“The majority of people who fish commercially are law-abiding and care about our fisheries,” California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Law Enforcement Division Chief Nathaniel Arnold said in a release. “There are a few individuals, however, who choose to partake in commercial poaching. These individuals will eventually be caught and will likely lose the privilege to commercially fish in this state through either criminal or administrative actions.”
At the 11 to 12 June meeting, the commission revoked Santa Barbara resident Christopher James Miller’s commercial fishing license and lobster operator permit. According to the state, Miller has abandoned 156 lobster traps in coastal waters, failed to retrieve baited traps, and filed inaccurate catch records.
The commission also revoked the commercial fishing license and Dungeness crab permit of Fortuna resident Ronald Ghera. CDFW claims Ghera abandoned 94 crab traps after the 2023 season and another 74 after the 2024 season. Other violations included failing to service traps within the required 96 hours, failing to submit reports, and using untagged traps and improperly marked buoys.
“CDFW emphasizes that compliance with commercial fishing regulations – particularly removing traps at the end of each season – is essential,” the department said in a release. “Those who abandon traps not only endanger marine mammals and other wildlife that can become trapped or entangled in derelict gear, but they can also cause shortened fishing seasons for law-abiding fishers who depend on those opportunities for their livelihood.”
In August, CDFW officers cited four individuals for illegally harvesting 236 spiny lobsters during a closed season in Los Angeles. The individuals were spotted diving for spiny lobster at Royal Palms Beach, despite the season having closed in March. The suspects fled when approached by law enforcement but were eventually apprehended. Officers returned the lobsters – most of which were undersized – back to the water.
