CDFW Officers Find Illegal Fish Harvests At U.S.-Mexico Border

California Department of Fish and Wildlife officers intercepted an illegal haul of fish at the U.S.-Mexico border,.n Here are details in a CDFW Facebook post:

On July 1, 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, 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. CDFW values and appreciates the strong relationships we have with our federal partners. This case is another great example of how agencies working together strengthen the protection of our shared natural resources.