California Fishing Boat Caught Dumping Toxic Waste Too Close to Shore

A Southern California fishing boat captain has been ordered to pay nearly $17,000 after illegally dumping toxic wastewater into the Pacific Ocean, a move that threatens marine ecosystems and violates state environmental protections. According to a report from KTLA, William Porter McHenry, who owns and operates McHenry Fisheries, Inc., failed to follow regulations about proper waste disposal after squid fishing.

The incident involved the Sea Pearl, a 67-foot fishing vessel observed on December 6, 2024, releasing “stick water”—a dark, ammonia-rich liquid created when squid die in saltwater holding tanks. Instead of transporting this harmful substance beyond the three-mile offshore limit required by law, McHenry’s crew dumped it much closer to shore. A California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) investigation confirmed that the vessel turned back before ever crossing into legal dumping territory.

Stick water is toxic to marine life and considered a pollutant by environmental agencies. Regulations require vessels to store it in their hulls and only release it safely beyond the state’s marine boundary. By failing to do so, McHenry not only endangered marine species but also gained an unfair economic advantage over competitors who follow the law.

As part of the settlement, McHenry must pay for environmental restoration efforts, legal penalties, and costs associated with the investigation. Restoration funds will Support local marine conservation through the Ventura County Fish and Wildlife Fund and the CDFW.

If this case shows us anything, it’s that holding businesses accountable matters. Let’s keep our oceans clean by supporting sustainable fishing practices, avoiding seafood altogether, or choosing plant-based alternatives that don’t harm marine life. Every choice makes a ripple.

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