In a Facebook post, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) stated that they had cited four men for taking lobsters during the closed season.
Officers were on coastal patrol on August 1, about 11 p.m., when they noticed lights and suspicious activity near Royal Palms Beach in Los Angeles’ San Pedro neighborhood.
Officers saw four people in wetsuits diving for spiny lobsters and returning to shore throughout the night. Both the recreational and commercial spiny lobster seasons in Southern California had ended in March.
The suspects left at 3 a.m.
Wildlife officers approached the accused, who attempted to leave on foot. Officers discovered and detained the criminals without incident.
Wildlife officers discovered in the back of the truck:
- 236 spiny lobsters taken during the closed season, 210 of which were undersized
- No fishing licenses
- No required measuring devices
During open season, individuals can keep up to seven lobsters, each measuring at least 3¼ inches from the eye socket to the carapace edge.
The CDFW stated that, thankfully, the majority of the poached lobsters were still alive and were securely returned to the water following a quick count and photographic evidence.
Cited for multiple misdemeanor violations
All four people were cited for several misdemeanor infractions, including:
- Taking lobster during the closed season
- Possessing undersized lobster
- Commercialization without a license
- No fishing license
- No measuring device
According to CDFW, to report something serious and aid California’s fish and wildlife, call CalTIP at (888) 334-2258, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To send tips anonymously, text “CALTIP” followed by your message to 847411 (tip411) or download the CalTIP app from Apple’s App Store or Google Play.
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