Contact:
Warden Patrick Foy, 916-508-7095, DFG Enforcement Division

Department of Fish and Game (DFG) wardens arrested Tam Duc Truong, 55, of San Jose today for allegedly taking and selling white sturgeon illegally. Two restaurants in San Jose are being investigated in conjunction with allegations of Truong’s selling of fish.

The case began Jan. 21, when DFG wardens acted on information that Truong was involved in the illegal take and sale of sport caught sturgeon. While Truong was under surveillance, wardens recorded Truong catching and selling sturgeon. On Jan. 31, Truong was cited and released. Information on the case was gathered and additional charges and inspections took place.

The arrest and inspections were carried out by DFG’s Delta Bay Enhancement Enforcement Program and the Special Operations Unit.

DFG wardens have conducted nine major sturgeon poaching operations since 2003. California does not allow for the commercial catch or sale of white sturgeon. Poachers often target large breeding female white sturgeon. The eggs are processed for caviar. Poaching is one reason why sturgeon struggle to maintain healthy populations.

In an effort to deter this type of violation, in 2007 the Legislature passed, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law, AB 1187 by Assembly Member Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord), giving courts authority to issue a fine between $5,000 to $10,000 and/or up to a year in county jail for sturgeon poaching offenses. Other facets of this law allow the seizure and forfeiture of boats and vehicles used in the commission of the offense.

“California’s green and white sturgeon can be easily over exploited because they mature late, spawn infrequently and are dependent on unusual environmental conditions,” said Marty Gingras, DFG Supervising Fisheries Biologist, Bay Delta Region. “The current population of adult white sturgeon in California is low.”

More protective sturgeon regulations including a Sturgeon Fishing Report Card, three fish annual white sturgeon bag limit and a zero-fish green sturgeon bag limit were implemented March 1, 2007.

The federal government listed green sturgeon in California as threatened under the Federal Endangered Species Act.

Successful investigations are often the direct result of lawful anglers giving information about poaching incidents to local wardens or the CalTIP hotline. To report poachers and polluters call 1-888-DFG-CALTIP. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

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