Abalone poachers have still not heard that getting caught has become a very likely event and that local judges do not go easy on such cases. Given the value of the fishery to the local economy and the damage done by poachers, it is no wonder that it is taken seriously by our justice system. Recent cases include two involving the take of large numbers of small abalone from the Mendocino coast. Four San Jose residents were fined the maximum of $5,400 each, given probation for three years, and banned from fishing for life. The second case involving residents of Dublin and Auburn for the take of 146 undersize abalone is pending in court. The suspects in this case were detained by a vacationing fish culturist from the Feather River area. Game wardens don't advise physically detaining suspects, but alerting wardens, rangers or the sheriff to resource violations is valuable and rewarding. Rewards of up to $1,000 for poachers or polluters are available through CalTIP by calling (800) 952-5400, or for more urgent situations call 911 or the sheriff's office.
The minimum fine for first time violations of fishing without a license is $250, but may be higher in some local jurisdictions. An ocean-only license, good for a whole year of sportfishing, currently costs residents only $13.75, cheaper than a dinner and a movie and equal to only $3.68 in 1970 dollars. - WV
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