Several men in San Diego County were charged recently by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for illegally selling fish they caught recreationally, officials said in a March 20 press release.

“Letting these crimes continue without robust enforcement and prosecution jeopardizes the sustainability of California’s commercial fishing industry and the majority of those commercial fishers who comply with the law,” said Nathaniel Arnold, acting chief of the department’s law enforcement division.

David Haworth, 60, of San Diego and Nicholas Haworth, 28, of La Jolla, led the illegal fishing ring according to officials, who said the two men were buying and selling fish caught by recreational fisherman, facilitating the operation of an unlicensed fish business, failing to document fish brought to shore, and falsifying such documents.

More than 5,550 pounds of fish were illegally bought and sold for more than $26,000, the investigation revealed.

It is unclear how the two men are related. Officials for the department of fish and wildlife did not immediately respond to a request for information on the relationship.

A six-month investigation into the Haworths revealed at least six other men in San Diego County sold fish they caught recreationally to the pair, according to the press release.

By doing so, they participated in the crime, in various ways including failing to register as a commercial fishing vessel, selling fish caught on a commercial fishing vessel, and falsifying documents, according to officials.

San Diego City Attorney Maria W. Elliot said the state’s laws are in place to protect and preserve California’s rich nature for years to come.

“Many of us live in San Diego because we appreciate the region’s natural wonders, including the fish that populate our rivers and oceans … Our ability to enjoy the outdoors depends on vigorous enforcement and prosecution of the laws that preserve our surroundings,” she said in the same press release.

The recreational fisherman involved include San Diego residents, Lucas Dirkse, 29; Mitchell Bradford, 36; Brandon Demelo, 24; and David Brown, 68. El Cajon residents Tanner Whitmarsh, 30, and Trevor Whitmarsh, 25, were also involved.

Nicholas Haworth pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful sale of recreationally caught fish, was fined $10,000, and agreed to complete community service.

David Haworth also agreed to community service, plus hosting six events feeding fish meals to the homeless through a local food bank.

Mr. Bradford, Mr. Dirkse, and Mr. Demelo all pleaded guilty to the unlawful sale of recreationally caught fish, were fined $5,000, and agreed to community service.

Mr. Tanner and Mr. Whitmarsh were charged with unfair business practices and agreed to a fine of $60,000 each. Mr. Brown didn’t appear at his arraignment and has a warrant out for his arrest, according to the press release.

Wildlife officials said the careful reporting of fish counts commercially helps determine fish populations, along with estimates from recreational catches.