With California’s commercial and recreational lobster season underway, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) wardens are actively patrolling coastal waters to enforce marine conservation laws.
During a recent patrol near Catalina Island, wildlife officers spotted a vessel actively fishing within the boundaries of the Long Point State Marine Reserve.
“The officers explained the applicable regulations and answered the individuals’ questions. Later that night, officers boarded the same vessel to inspect their catch and to check for compliance,” authorities claimed.
When questioned whether any additional catch was on board beyond what was clearly visible, the group denied having more lobsters. A primary search quickly proved otherwise, revealing 8 undersized lobsters concealed inside a hatch and another 4 hidden in a bucket.
In total, wardens uncovered 55 lobsters on board: 49 under the mandatory size limit, and 6 exceeding the legally allowable daily possession threshold.
All individuals involved were taken into custody, cited for possession of undersized lobsters and exceeding daily bag limits, and subsequently released.
The CDFW reminds the public that lobsters must be measured immediately upon retrieval from the water, and any undersized specimen must be returned to the sea instantly. Divers are required to measure lobsters underwater before surfacing or bringing them aboard. The legal limit is strictly set at 7 lobsters per person per day.
