Two commercial fishermen were arrested after California wildlife officers said they caught them fishing inside a San Diego County marine protected area where offshore vessel fishing is prohibited.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced Aug. 13 that officers had identified a pattern of fishing incursions inside the Swamis State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA), prompting a multi-day surveillance operation.

During the operation, CDFW officers observed a commercial fisherman with previous violations fishing inside the conservation area. Officers aboard a CDFW aircraft reportedly watched the vessel as the fishermen actively fished and retained catch within the protected area.

Officers continued monitoring the vessel until it returned to port, where they made contact with the two fishermen. Once onboard, officers found several ice-filled coolers containing rockfish, yellowtail and white seabass.

Both fishermen were arrested and released with citations on misdemeanor charges of fishing within the Swamis SMCA.

CDFW seized the commercial catch and sold it to a licensed fish business. Proceeds from the sale were also seized and will be held by the department until the case is resolved in court.

Under California law, a commercial fishing license holder who unlawfully takes fish for commercial purposes inside a marine protected area can be convicted of a misdemeanor and face a fine of at least $5,000.

The Swamis SMCA is located along the San Diego County coast and prohibits offshore fishing from vessels.