San Francisco: 2K pounds of 'unlawful catch' fish seized from fisherman

A commercial fisherman could be in a load of trouble after officials found unlawfully caught fish behind a false wall on his boat at San Francisco's Pier 45, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 

The CDFW said a fisherman recently arrived at Pier 45 with a false wall on their boat. Behind the wall, authorities found fillets of salmon, the CFDW said. It has not been legal to fish salmon in the area since 2023 due to declining populations. 

Authorities saw the owner of a commercial vessel unload several burlap sacks and into their vehicle, the CFDW said. That same person was later found at a restaurant where CFDW says they attempted to "flea and hide fish".

The owner had halibut, salmon, sole and sanddabs in their possession; none of the fish had been declared as commercial catch for retail sale. A load of halibut that weighed 2,365 pound was also seized by authorities. 

That fish didn't go to waste. The catch was sold off by CDFW, and proceeds were donated to the Fish and Game Preservation fund.  

CDFW says a formal complaint has been filed with the San Francisco District Attorney's Office. 

Anyone with information on poaching, polluting or any fish or wildlife violation is asked to contact the toll-free CALTIP number 1 888 334-CALTIP (888 334-2258) to share information anonymously with CDFW or submit a confidential tip online.