By Phil Diehl / San Diego Union-Tribune / March 27, 2024
State Department of Fish and Wildlife officials have fined a network of San Diego fishermen a total of $145,000 for poaching bluefin tuna, yellowtail and mahi mahi.
A six-month investigation showed more than 5,500 pounds of fish were bought from recreational fishermen and sold in commercial markets, according to a recent news release from the department.
Nick Haworth, 28, pleaded guilty and agreed to community service and a $10,000 fine, the release states. His father, David Haworth, 60, agreed to community service and to host six events feeding 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. …
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 have strict quotas. State and federal officials monitor catches and collect biological data to ensure fish populations remain healthy.
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