12 Arrested in Alleged Sturgeon Poaching

California wildlife officials have made 12 more arrests in an alleged West Coast sturgeon poaching ring, bringing to 20 the individuals charged this month with catching, selling or possessing the largest freshwater fish in North America.

Those arrested in Thursday’s sweep were charged with misdemeanor conspiracy to catch the protected Sacramento-San Joaquin River white sturgeon, mainly for its eggs.

Authorities said the roe was sold the length of the West Coast as caviar to fill a void left by the collapse of the Caspian Sea’s sturgeon fishery a world away.