California wildlife officers have intensified enforcement against illegal poaching activities along the Sacramento River, particularly targeting organized poachers of sturgeon and salmon. These groups use advanced countersurveillance techniques to exploit the high demand and profitability of illegal caviar trafficking. With white sturgeon populations under consideration for threatened status, fishing for this species is limited to catch and release. Recent operations revealed illegal possession of sturgeon and uncovered a broader salmon poaching network. As salmon fishing remains closed, investigations continue in apprehending violators of wildlife protection laws.
...the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Special Operations Unit said in a news release this week. The agency's actions come as the populations of both fish remain under stress.
In one operation, two groups were caught with 'illegally possessed sturgeon' hidden about 100 yards from where they caught the fish. Both sturgeon were released back into the Sacramento River.
The California Caviar Company lists 1-ounce tins of white sturgeon caviar ranging from $85 to $105, depending on the variety.
Officers issued citations, though charges are still pending. A separate probe into Dungeness crab trafficking also led officers to uncover a broader salmon poaching operation.
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