San Diego fishermen fined for poaching fish sold at markets

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.

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 charged civilly for unfair business practices and agreed to a fine of $60,000 each. David Brown, 68, failed to appear at his arraignment and a warrant was issued for his arrest, the release states.

By selling fish caught by recreational passengers on a commercial boat, the participants engaged in a number of illegal activities, including the failure to register as a commercial fishing vessel, failure to obtain the required permits, falsifying documents and more.

“Letting these crimes continue without robust enforcement and prosecution jeopardizes the sustainability of California’s commercial fishing industry,” said Nathaniel Arnold, acting chief of the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Law Enforcement Division.

“Illegal sales of recreationally caught fish bypasses both paths for sampling and accounting of total catch,” 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 have strict quotas. State and federal officials monitor catches and collect biological data to ensure fish populations remain healthy.