CDFW News

CDFW Investigation Finds SoCal Restaurant in Violation of Fishing and Advertising Laws

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:36:43 GMT

Restaurant Managers Ordered to Pay Tens of Thousands in Penalties; Fishing Vessel Owner and Operators Prohibited from Commercial Fishing in State.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) wildlife officers conducted an investigation into Dudley Market, a high-end restaurant and fish business in Venice, Calif., for unlawfully selling seafood while advertising its products as traceable, sustainable and lawfully sourced. The investigation found repeated violations of state and federal commercial fishing laws in 2020 and 2021.

Prosecutors from the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office and Santa Barbara and Los Angeles County district attorney’s offices resolved the case through a civil enforcement action under California’s Unfair Competition Law. The case resulted in more than $100,000 in penalties for the restaurant and its managers, and fishing vessel owners and operators involved have been prohibited from owning or operating a commercial fishing vessel in California.

“Commercial fishing laws exist to protect our oceans and preserve marine ecosystems,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman. “These businesses lured the public into thinking they were caring for our precious resources, when in reality, their fish was unlawfully sourced. Sustainability was the bait, but fraud was the hook. The message is clear; this kind of deception will not be tolerated.”

Conner Mitchell, 37, of Venice, and Taylor Grant, 41, of Santa Monica, managed Dudley Market in 2020 through the business entities Dudley Street Oyster Bar and Shark Bite Fish Co. Grant later ended her association with the business, while Mitchell continued overseeing daily operations and seafood procurement. Mitchell operated the commercial fishing vessel Jamaica Day, which he and Grant used to catch fish for the restaurant. Cody Martin, 30, of El Segundo, operated the commercial fishing vessel Predator and supplied fish to Dudley Market.

CDFW wildlife officers served search warrants on cellular devices belonging to Mitchell and Martin, as well as the chart plotter aboard the commercial fishing vessel Predator. Evidence obtained during the investigation revealed repeated violations of laws governing California’s commercial fishing and seafood industry.

Under California law, it is illegal to sell sport-caught fish commercially. Fish taken by a commercial vessel also must be lawfully brought to port and documented on an electronic fish ticket before being removed from the vessel. This documentation is critical for CDFW and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries to effectively manage California fisheries and ensure long-term sustainability.

The investigation revealed numerous violations of California commercial fishing laws, including the unlawful purchase, possession and sale of sport-caught fish such as rockfish, bluefin tuna and yellowtail; commercial fishing activity conducted without required licenses; failure to lawfully document federally managed species brought to shore; illegal harvest of rockfish within restricted conservation areas and state marine protected areas; and the marketing of unlawfully sourced seafood as sustainable, traceable and lawfully procured.

As part of the settlement Mitchell, Dudley Street Oyster Bar and Shark Bite Fish Co. were ordered to pay $58,226.25 in civil penalties, $15,000 to the Fish and Game Preservation Fund and $1,773.75 in court costs and fees in May 2026. Grant was ordered to pay $40,000 in civil penalties and $10,000 to the Fish and Game Preservation Fund in Jul. 2025. Martin was ordered to pay $8,000 in civil penalties and $2,000 to the Fish and Game Preservation Fund in Sep. 2025. Grant and Martin are prohibited from commercial fishing in California. Gilmer Grant, owner of fishing vessel Jamaica Day in 2020, was ordered to pay $10,000 in civil penalties and $5,000 to the Fish and Game Preservation Fund in Aug. 2025 and is prohibited from owning or operating a commercial fishing vessel in California. The settlement also requires compliance oversight measures, public disclosure notices and additional financial penalties should future violations occur.

“Angelenos deserve to know that the seafood they purchase is safely sourced from businesses that are following the law and not jeopardizing local marine life,” according to Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto. “My office will always hold accountable those who violate laws designed to protect consumers and our fragile ecosystems.”

Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch added, “Violating fishing regulations that are intended to preserve Marine Protected Areas threatens the environment and the fishing industry that depends on sustainable fish stocks in the future.”

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Media Contacts:
Kory Collins, CDFW Law Enforcement Division, (310) 944-8182
Cort Klopping, CDFW Communications, (916) 201-2958

CDFW Releases Ocean Salmon Harvest Tracking Tools

Fri, 22 May 2026 13:47:49 GMT

CDFW Releases Ocean Salmon Harvest Tracking Tools

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is pleased to announce the launch of new digital tools to track the recreational and commercial in-season harvests of ocean salmon.

The new tools, available at CDFW’s Ocean Salmon Fishery Information page, will allow recreational anglers to easily track the number of salmon caught and number of salmon remaining under each regional harvest guideline. In-season management allows fishery managers to close salmon seasons early should harvest guidelines be reached.

With recreational and commercial ocean salmon fishing seasons underway, anglers may be interested in knowing how much catch has accrued, and when fisheries in each area will close.

“We’re excited to give salmon anglers the data they need to better plan their fishing seasons while at the same time leveraging technology to support in-season management and sustainable fisheries,” said CDFW Director Meghan Hertel.

Sport anglers can expect to see updates to the recreational catch tracker twice a month throughout the duration of the salmon season. Recreational catch estimates are calculated based on half-month sample periods, broken out into the first half and second half of each month. The recreational catch tracker will be updated following the conclusion of each sample period. Updates may become more frequent when total catch is approaching a harvest guideline. Any notices of fishery closures will be posted on the page when they are determined.

The 2026 recreational ocean salmon fishery opened in the Monterey area south of Pigeon Point (37°11’ N. Latitude) to the U.S.-Mexico border on April 11. Opening day for the California Klamath Management Zone and Fort Bragg area (from the California/Oregon Border south to Point Arena, 38° 57.5’ N. Latitude) is June 13, and the San Francisco (Point Arena to Pigeon Point) area will open June 27. Each fishing area is managed under a regional specific harvest guideline. Fishing will continue through scheduled open periods between June and August or until the harvest guideline is reached, whichever occurs first. Fishing will reopen in September for a portion of the San Francisco area and in the Monterey area under a separate fall harvest guideline.

Anglers are always advised to check for updated information when planning an ocean salmon fishing trip. Season dates, bag limits, possession rules and gear restrictions can be found on CDFW’s Ocean Salmon Fishery Information page. Public notification of any in-season change to regulations is made through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (800) 662-9825 or the CDFW Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (707) 576-3429.

Annual state regulations for ocean salmon automatically conform to federal regulations set by NMFS using the process described in Section 1.95(b)(2), Title 14, California Code of Regulations. Federal regulations for ocean salmon fisheries off California were published in the Federal Register (91 FR 29092) on May 19, 2026, and took effect on May 16, 2026.

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Kandice Morgenstern, CDFW Marine Region, (707) 494-4621
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714 

Recreational Crab Traps Restricted in Central Management Area to Protect Whales from Entanglement while Commercial Dungeness Crab Fishing Opportunities Continue

Fri, 15 May 2026 10:31:41 GMT

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Meghan Hertel has assessed entanglement risk under the Risk Assessment Mitigation Program (RAMP) and announced a crab trap restriction in the recreational Dungeness crab fishery (PDF) in Fishing Zone 3 (Sonoma/Mendocino County Line, 38°46.125' N. Latitude to Pigeon Point, 37°11' N. Latitude). This change, which will go into effect at 6 p.m. on May 22, 2026, is intended to minimize entanglement risk as humpback whales return to forage off the coast of California.

A crab trap restriction was implemented in Fishing Zones 4 and 5 (Pigeon Point to Point Conception, 34°27' N Latitude) on March 27, 2026. CDFW reminds recreational crabbers that take of Dungeness crab by other methods (including hoop nets and crab snares) is allowed through the close of the season. All open Fishing Zones remain under a Fleet Advisory for the recreational Dungeness crab fishery. CDFW also reminds all fishery participants to implement best practices as described in the Best Practices Guide (PDF).

The commercial fishery remains open in Fishing Zones 1 and 2 (California/Oregon border to the Sonoma/Mendocino County line) under existing trap reductions and depth constraints. Fishing Zones 3-5 (Sonoma/Mendocino County line to Point Conception) have transitioned to use of authorized Alternative Gear (aka Pop-Up gear) through the remainder of the season.

CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment will take place in early June 2026. For more information related to the risk assessment process, please visit CDFW’s Whale Safe Fisheries page. For more information on the Dungeness crab fishery, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/crab.

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Media Contacts:
Ryan Bartling, CDFW Marine Region, (415) 238-2638
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714

Get Hooked: Trout Season 2026 Is About To Begin

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:56:38 GMT

Fishing enthusiasts across the region are gearing up for one of California’s most anticipated outdoor traditions of the year, the opening of the 2026 statewide general trout season. This year’s opener falls on Saturday, April 25, marking the last Saturday in April a date circled on the calendar by anglers of all ages and experience. Each year, the trout season opener reels in thousands of people to pristine trout fishing destinations such as Burney, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes and many other beautiful mountain communities across the state.

The season officially kicks off one hour before sunrise, giving early risers the chance to cast their lines in the quiet, pre-dawn hour when trout are most active. Families, friends, anglers seasoned and new, are highly encouraged to take part in this time-honored event that signals the arrival of spring and the return of exciting outdoor recreation.

“Opening day is more than just the start of trout season, it’s a tradition that brings communities together,” said Nick Buckmaster, CDFW Senior Environmental Scientist. “The early season warm up has resulted in more lakes than normal being open for this year's trout opener and there's plenty of fish to be caught! All lakes up to 10,000 feet are ice free, leaving anglers with more options on where to cast their lines. We’re excited to welcome anglers of all ages to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and make lasting memories on the water.”

Most lakes, rivers and streams have a limit of five trout per day and a 10 trout possession limit. Regulations differ on season opening and closing dates, bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits and gear restrictions. Anglers are strongly advised to check specific area regulations and opening dates in the 2026 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (PDF) available online. All anglers 16 and older must possess a valid California sport fishing license to fish within state boundaries, which can be purchased at CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website, through a licensed sales agent or through the CDFW License App.

CDFW is also making it easier than ever to find the perfect spot to cast your line. The California Inland Recreational Angler Survey’s (CIRAS) ;helps anglers plan their next fishing trip driven by data submitted by fellow anglers. Data submitted by anglers can include the species of fish caught, catch size and overall angling experience from a single fishing trip that in turn is used by other anglers. CDFW encourages anglers to use CIRAS to optimize their fishing experience as well as contribute data after they complete a fishing trip. CDFW uses fishing survey data submitted by anglers to inform management actions to protect fisheries and improve angling opportunities. CDFW's online, interactive Fishing Guide also provides information about trout plants, boating locations, regulations, license sales agents and more.

For anglers interested in learning more about wild trout and where to find them in their specific region, the Heritage and Wild Trout Program has resources explaining wild trout management and maps of Designated Wild and Heritage Trout Waters to help find these special fish. For anglers that feel up to a challenge, CDFW offers the Heritage Trout Challenge, which requires anglers to catch six different forms of California native trout from their historic drainages!

CDFW’s Recruit, Retain, Reactivate (R3) initiative has resources available for seasoned anglers and beginners alike. Find introductory videos, techniques and other helpful resources on the R3 Webpage.

While this weekend kicks off the official opening of trout season, there are exceptions that should be noted below:

Statewide General Trout Opener: April 25, 2026 Many Sierra waters open for trout fishing on Saturday, April 25, marking the start of expanded bait and barbed-hook opportunities across much of the region. This is the traditional kick-off to some of the most exciting trout fishing of the year.

Important Regional Exceptions — Mark Your Calendars Some waters follow different season structures than the general opener. You can find more information on what lakes you can take advantage of on opening day, when additional lakes are open to fishing and what regulations you need to be aware of on each lake on pages 56 through 71 of 2026 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations.

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Media Contacts:
Nick Buckmaster, (760) 920-8391
Cort Klopping, (916) 201-2958

Commercial Dungeness Crab ‘Pop-up’ Fishing Gear Now Authorized for the Entire Central Management Area, Depth Restriction in Northern Management Area to Protect Whales from Entanglement

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:01:06 GMT

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Meghan Hertel has assessed entanglement risk under the Risk Assessment Mitigation Program (RAMP) and announced changes to the commercial Dungeness crab fishery (PDF) in Fishing Zones 1, 2 and 3 (California/Oregon border to Pigeon Point, 37°11' N. Latitude).

In Fishing Zone 3 (Sonoma/Mendocino County line, 38° 46.125’ N. Latitude, to Pigeon Point) the commercial fishery will close at 6 p.m. April 30, 2026, at which time the commercial take and possession of Dungeness crab from those waters is prohibited with traditional trap gear.

Director Hertel is also authorizing the use of alternative gear, or pop-up fishing gear, in the commercial Dungeness crab fishery in Fishing Zone 3 beginning 7 a.m. May 7, 2026. This action is intended to minimize entanglement risk while continuing fishing opportunities as humpback whales return to forage off the California coast. Pop-up gear was previously authorized for use in Fishing Zones 4 and 5 on April 3, 2026. Pop-up fishing gear uses buoys and lines attached to traps, just like traditional crab traps, however the buoys and lines remain coiled on the seafloor with the traps. When a commercial fisherman is ready to retrieve their gear, a remote signal triggers the buoy to release, carrying the line to the surface and allowing for immediate retrieval.

Visit the Whale Safe Fisheries page for more information about Alternative Gear types approved for use and configurations in the conditional authorization documents.

The commercial fishery will remain open in Fishing Zones 1 and 2 (California/Oregon border to the Sonoma/Mendocino County line) under existing crab trap reductions and a 30-fathom depth restriction will be implemented effective 6 p.m. April 30, 2026. Based on historical migration data, CDFW anticipates an increase in whale abundance in the upcoming weeks. Individuals should remain vigilant and be prepared to remove gear quickly, to minimize entanglement risk in these Fishing Zones.

Pursuant to Sections 132.2(a)(2)(F) and 132.7, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, permitted commercial Dungeness crab vessels are authorized to retrieve lost, damaged, abandoned, or otherwise derelict based on the following conditions:

Beginning on April 3, 2026, at 6 a.m. in Fishing Zones 4 and 5, an unlimited number of commercial Dungeness crab traps which are lost, damaged, abandoned or otherwise derelict may be retrieved.
Beginning April 17, 2026, at 6 a.m., vessels or operators using or possessing& authorized Alternative Gear or otherwise participating in the Dungeness crab fishery as defined in Section 132.8(i) in Fishing Zones 4 and 5 may retrieve an unlimited number of derelict traps. If fishing in Fishing Zone 3 with authorized Alternative Gear pursuant to Section 132.8(i) only six derelict traps belonging to another may be retrieved and possessed.
Beginning on May 7, 2026, at 6 a.m. in Fishing Zone 3, an unlimited number of commercial Dungeness crab traps which are lost, damaged, abandoned or otherwise derelict may be retrieved.
Beginning on May 28, 2026, at 6 a.m., vessels fishing authorized Alternative Gear in Fishing Zone 3 may retrieve an unlimited number of derelict traps.
All crustaceans and finfish must be immediately returned to the water and not retained when retrieving lost, abandoned, or derelict Dungeness crab traps pursuant to the Declaration.

Permitted commercial Dungeness crab vessels retrieving gear pursuant to Section 132.2(a)(2)(D) must report their activities to LostGear@wildlife.ca.gov and LEDMarineNotifications@wildlife.ca.gov. Any vessel operating or transiting in an open Fishing Zone may not possess more than six traps belonging to another vessel, pursuant to Title 14, California Code of Regulations, Section 132.2(a)(2)(A).

CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment will take place in early May 2026. For more information related to the risk assessment process or trap gear retrieval, visit CDFW’s Whale Safe Fisheries page. For more information on the Dungeness crab fishery, visit wildlife.ca.gov/crab.

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Media Contacts:
Ryan Bartling, CDFW Marine Region, (415) 238-2638
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714