Two Fishermen Arrested for Illegal Fishing in San Diego Conservation Area
California Department of Fish and Wildlife officers apprehended two commercial fishermen for illegally fishing in the Swamis State Marine Conservation Area, located off San Diego County.
The officers had been monitoring the fishermen, suspected of being repeat offenders, as they operated offshore. When the fishermen returned to port, authorities boarded their vessel and discovered coolers filled with rockfish, yellowtail, and white seabass.
In total, over 50 fish were confiscated and sold to a licensed fish seller, with the proceeds held pending court proceedings. The fishermen were arrested, cited, and released on misdemeanor charges, facing potential fines of at least $5,000 each if convicted of violating state laws against commercial fishing in protected areas.
