Southeast / Long Beach

FISHY ACTIVITY: Long Beach officials have a plan to net poachers in Southland waters: They’ve begun training avid anglers to keep a close eye on suspicious fishing boats and report illegal activity to game wardens.

“It’s like Neighborhood Watch in the ocean,” said Mike McBride of the state Department of Fish and Game.

Under the program, which was organized with several Southland diving and sportfishing groups, experienced sea-goers will be instructed on how to spot poachers, record the activity with camcorders and then report abuses to authorities.

So far, only about five of the unpaid volunteers have been trained, but by mid-October officials hope to add 35 fishermen and divers to the list.