“Kudos to our CSLEA-ACWO members who investigated this case, working alongside partner agencies, combining resources and expertise to protect natural resources.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SAN DIEGO COUNTY – On July 1, 2026, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Lt. Specialist McLennan and Wildlife Officer Beaky were conducting inspections at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego County alongside law enforcement personnel from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). During the inspection of a vehicle crossing the border into the United States, CDFW officers interviewed three subjects who were returning from a fishing trip in Mexico. The officers located two large coolers that contained approximately 436 fish of a variety of species including rockfish, lingcod, sheephead, and yellowtail. Mexico’s fishing laws only allow for licensed fishermen to be in possession of 20 fish per person, of these species. Officers also determined the suspects did not have valid Mexico fishing licenses. With the information obtained and the evidence identified, the team of state and federal officers determined the subjects were involved in selling the catch they were bringing back to the United States.

All the fish were seized as evidence and charges are being pursued against the three subjects regarding the unlawful take of over 21 daily bag limits of fish in Mexico, not having valid fishing licenses, and illegally importing the fish into the United States.