Salmon Roe Confiscated in Caviar Trafficking Bust in Northern California

California wildlife authorities have confirmed illegal fishing activity with sturgeon and salmon in the Sacramento River.

Two people have been charged with taking an endangered or threatened species, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced on June 3. One individual had a previous history of snagging, or impaling fish, on the American River.

According to the announcement, the primary suspect was involved in salmon poaching on the American River to illegally harvest and process salmon roe for the black market. Authorities recovered over 150 pounds of packaged salmon roe, estimating that about 75 salmon were taken illegally. On average, salmon roe costs about $10-$30 per ounce.

“Wildlife officers’ patrols confirm sturgeon and salmon poaching continue during the fisheries’ closures. Well-organized criminal networks were observed employing advanced countersurveillance techniques, underscoring the continued high demand and profitability of illegal caviar trafficking,” according to the announcement.

This was a joint effort between CDFW’s Special Operations Unit and the Delta Bay Enhanced Enforcement Program. Officers patrolled the area using a combination of surveillance technologies, compliance checks, and traffic stops.

Uniformed officers witnessed two groups tying off illegally possessed sturgeon about 100 yards away from their fishing location. They issued citations and multiple violations. The live sturgeon were released back into the Sacramento River.

White sturgeon are being considered to be put on the endangered list, and under the California Endangered Species Act, they would only be allowed to be caught and released.

Since 2023, salmon fishing on the American and Sacramento rivers has been closed due to a declining population. However, some sections of the American River will be open in mid-July. According to CDFW’s website, white sturgeon fishing is open for catch and release starting Oct. 1.

Authorities will continue to patrol the area and investigate other illegal poaching and fishing activities. The public can report illegal activity to 1-888-334-CalTIP (1-888-334-2258).