Authorities intercept lead suspect in trafficking ring investigation: 'They are like a virus'

Wildlife officials in California have put a stop to multiple poachers who targeted two of the most restricted species in the state.   

What's happening?

In early June, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife took to Facebook to announce the success of multiple operations that put a stop to illegal fishing activity. The CDFW confirmed that sturgeon and salmon poaching activities took place during the closures of regional fisheries.

These activities allegedly included well-organized criminal networks that were spotted utilizing "advanced countersurveillance techniques." According to the CDFW, the poaching operations underscored the "continued high demand and profitability of illegal caviar trafficking."

But through surveillance, compliance checks, and routine vehicle stops, wildlife officers were able to detain and arrest several individuals accused of poaching. During the course of a Dungeness crab trafficking investigation, authorities were able to come across the primary suspect, who was also involved in salmon poaching "amid the American River closure."

The CDFW says that over 150 pounds of packaged salmon roe were seized in the investigation. Officials believe that the intention of the suspect was to sell the roe for distribution on the black market. As noted by the CDFW, salmon fishing on the American and Sacramento rivers has been banned since 2023. This is due to low salmon population estimates. However, legal fishing activities will reopen on certain sections of the American River in July.

In addition, officers also observed two groups who were tying off illegally possessed sturgeon. The suspects were issued citations for multiple violations, and the sturgeon were recovered while still alive and released back into the Sacramento River.  

Why is illegal fishing important?

The Meat Eater reports that this isn't the first time that CDFW officers have prevented large-scale poaching operations in the state. Sturgeon poaching in California has become a significant problem, particularly targeting the white sturgeon, which is a candidate for listing as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act.

Poaching poses a serious threat to the white sturgeon population, especially larger, egg-bearing females, which are often sought after for their caviar. Poaching significantly impacts biodiversity, particularly for endangered and vulnerable species, as well as greatly affects vegetation patterns and the overall balance of species within an environment.

While referring to the poachers, one commenter noted the potential damage that they are responsible for. "They are like a virus … would lay waste to an entire ecosystem if they were unchecked," they wrote. 

What's being done about illegal fishing?

In an effort to minimize the impact of illegal fishing activities in California, the CDFW has implemented many programs geared to prevent or deter poachers. The Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters program allows concerned residents the opportunity to report poaching and pollution violators confidentially.

Monetary deterrents have also been put in place in an attempt to reduce poaching. In California, fines can vary depending on the offense. For a first conviction of poaching, where the total value of the poached items can be $250 or more, the fine can range from $5,000 to $50,000. Offenders can also face the possibility of jail time.

Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely 💯 It depends on the species 🤔 I don't know 🤷 No — leave nature alone 🙅 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.