California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials have fined a network of San Diego fishermen a total of $145,000 for poaching bluefin tuna, yellowtail and mahi-mahi.
A six-month investigation determined that more than 5,500 pounds of fish were bought from recreational fishermen and sold in commercial markets, according to the department.
Nick Haworth, 28, pleaded guilty and agreed to community service and a $10,000 fine, the department said. His father, David Haworth, 60, agreed to community service and to host six events feeding fish meals to the homeless through a local food bank.
The Haworths have sold fish at their dock at Driscoll’s Wharf in Point Loma and through home deliveries and participate in the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market near Seaport Village.
Others involved include Mitchell Bradford, 36, Lucas Dirkse, 29, and Brandon Demelo, 24, each of whom agreed to community service and a $5,000 fine.
Tanner Whitmarsh, 30, and Trevor Whitmarsh, 25, were charged civilly with unfair business practices and agreed to a fine of $60,000 each.
David Brown, 68, failed to appear at his arraignment and a warrant was issued for his arrest, the department said.
By selling fish caught by recreational engers on a commercial boat, the participants engaged in several illegal activities, including failure to as a commercial fishing vessel and obtain the required permits, falsifying documents and more, according to the department.
“Letting these crimes continue without robust enforcement and prosecution jeopardizes the sustainability of California’s commercial fishing industry,” said Nathaniel Arnold, acting chief of the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Law Enforcement Division.
“Illegal sales of recreationally caught fish byes both paths for sampling and ing of total catch,” Arnold said.
California has strict environmental laws to ensure its natural resources continue for future generations, according to San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott.
Many fish stocks have strict quotas. State and federal officials monitor catches and collect biological data to ensure fish populations remain healthy.
