CA AB2369

Establishes new criminal penalties for commercial fishers and commercial passenger fishing boat operators who unlawfully take fish or engage in fishing within marine protected areas for commercial purposes, with fines of $5,000 to $40,000 or up to one year county jail time.

Increases penalties to $10,000 to $50,000 and up to one year jail time for second or subsequent violations occurring within 10 years of a prior conviction, and authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife to suspend commercial fishing licenses or commercial passenger fishing boat licenses upon conviction.

Expands the misdemeanor violation threshold for marine protected area regulations to include anyone operating a commercial passenger fishing boat at the time of violation, not just license holders.

Requires that applications to transfer commercial fishing permits or entitlements be deferred if the current holder is awaiting final resolution of any pending criminal, civil, or administrative action affecting the permit or entitlement status.

Extends the prosecution timeline for these offenses from one year to three years after commission of the offense.