Poachers take ‘gross over-limits’ of surf perch using an illegal method

Wildlife officers in a patrol boat during California’s spiny lobster season opener witnessed illegal fishing activities occurring near a jetty at the entrance to the Channel Islands Harbor.

During the investigation, officers discovered that three of the fishermen had been illegally using a Hawaiian-style throw net to take a variety of fish, and they were in possession of “gross over-limits” of surf perch.

The three throw nets and 78 fish that were taken illegally were confiscated, and the three anglers deemed responsible for the illegal activities were cited and released.

“Poaching doesn’t pay! Poachers are subject to steep fines for fish and wildlife violations,” the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Facebook post stated.

“One such poacher caught illegally using a throw net to take more than their limit of fish recently appeared in court and was found guilty on numerous counts with a fine totaling $5,725.”

The fate of the other two poachers remains unclear.

Some commenters on the CDFW Facebook post were critical of the punishment. Some of the comments:

“The punishment for the violators is a joke, absolutely useless. Especially with those ridiculous fines and then they are released.”

“Lock them up [and] revoke all hunting and fishing rights for life and $10,000 fine, plus 1 year in jail.”

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“Should have seized their vehicles.”

“They need to lose their license for life.”

“Though the fines are too low—thank you for doing what you can to protect our resources with the constraints of the law. It’s because of short-sighted, selfish bad apples like these that we’re regulated so heavily.”

Photos courtesy of the CDFW.