Venice seafood spot hit with six-figure penalties over illegal fishing and misleading sourcing

After a years-long investigation, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife found Dudley Market and associated staff and vessels violated state fishing laws in 2020–2021, including unlicensed harvesting, fishing in conservation areas, and underreporting catches, while also marketing seafood as traceable and sustainable. The penalties total about $150,000 in civil fines plus fund contributions and fees, with several individuals losing or being barred from California commercial fishing licenses. The restaurant must publish a disclaimer acknowledging past false sustainability claims and says it has since corrected practices.