Officers, aided by specially trained canines, located lobsters hidden in duffel bags, backpacks, vehicles and even a baby stroller.
California wildlife officers arrested six people for lobster poaching at the Santa Monica Pier, months after the spiny lobster season had closed.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said officers from across Southern California conducted a recent enforcement operation targeting individuals who continued to illegally harvest lobsters after the season ended March 18.
Officers, aided by specially trained canines, located lobsters hidden in duffel bags, backpacks, vehicles and even a baby stroller. They seized 34 lobsters — including several egg-bearing females — and returned them alive to the ocean.
Female lobsters produce between 50,000 and 800,000 eggs per year, which they carry for about 10 weeks. The loss of egg-bearing females can significantly harm the fishery and affect legal anglers, officials said.
The six suspects were arrested on multiple violations, including taking lobster out of season, exceeding daily bag limits, taking undersized lobsters, taking lobster by hook and line, and possessing more than triple the daily bag limit. Penalties for such offenses can include fines of up to $1,000 per violation or up to one year in jail.
CDFW encouraged the public to report wildlife crimes through its CALTIP program by calling 888-334-2258, using the tip411 app, or submitting tips online.
