“It is important for our environment and fish and wildlife populations that CDFW wardens investigate cases involving unlawful catches.  In addition to their investigations, they assist local district attorneys’ offices with prosecutions.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SAN FRANCISCO – On December 30, 2024, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced the recent discovery by wildlife officers of a commercial fisherman trying to get away with an unlawful catch.  An angler coming ashore at San Francisco’s Pier 45 was found trying to deceive authorities with a false wall on the boat. Behind the false wall were fillets of salmon.

Under the surveillance of wildlife officers, the owner of the commercial trawl vessel was also seen unloading several burlap sacks out of the boat and into a vehicle before leaving the scene. The owner was later found at a restaurant where the owner attempted to flee and hide fish. The owner was found in possession of several halibut, filleted salmon, sole and sanddabs that had not been declared as a commercial catch for retail sale.

In addition, a load of 2,365 pounds of halibut was seized and a formal complaint submitted to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office.

CDFW proceeded with declaring the seized halibut the following morning, selling the fish and donating proceeds to the Fish and Game Preservation Fund.