State Department of Fish and Wildlife officials have fined a San Diego fishing ring a total of $145,000 for poaching bluefin tuna, flounder and mahi mahi.
A six-month investigation showed that more than 5,500 pounds of fish were purchased from recreational fishermen and sold in commercial markets, according to a recent department news release.
Nick Haworth, 28, pleaded guilty and agreed to community service and a $10,000 fine, the release said. Her father, David Haworth, 60, agreed to do community service and organize six events to distribute fish meals to the homeless through a local food bank.
The Haworths participate in the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market near Seaport Village and have sold fish at their dock at Driscoll’s Wharf in Point Loma and with home deliveries.
Others involved include Mitchell Bradford, 36, Lucas Dirkse, 29, and Brandon Demelo, 24, who each agreed to community service and a $5,000 fine. Tanner Whitmarsh, 30, and Trevor Whitmarsh, 25, were civilly charged with unfair trade practices and agreed to a fine of $60,000 each. David Brown, 68, failed to appear for his arraignment and a warrant was issued for his arrest, the release said.
By selling fish caught by recreational passengers on a commercial boat, the participants engaged in a number of illegal activities, including failure to register as a commercial fishing boat, failure to obtain licenses required, falsification of documents and much more.
“Allowing these crimes to continue without vigorous enforcement and prosecution jeopardizes the sustainability of California’s commercial fishing industry,” said Nathaniel Arnold, acting chief of the Department of Conservation’s law enforcement division. fishing and wildlife.
“Illegal sales of recreationally caught fish circumvent both avenues of sampling and accounting for total catches,” Arnold said.
California has strict environmental laws to ensure its natural resources continue to exist for future generations, San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott said in the release.
Many fish stocks are subject to strict quotas. State and federal officials monitor catches and collect biological data to ensure fish populations remain healthy.
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