Authorities with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), aided by specially trained K-9 units, have confiscated 34 spiny lobsters illegally caught out of season at the Santa Monica Pier. The individuals involved now face penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, as well as possible jail time.
While the official spiny lobster season ended on March 18, that did little to deter a group of poachers who attempted to smuggle more than 30 specimens from the pier earlier this week.
According to CDFW officials, the suspects employed elaborate tactics to hide their catch, stashing the lobsters in duffel bags, backpacks, vehicles, and even a stroller. Despite these efforts, wildlife officers and their canine partners successfully located and seized the contraband.
Among the 34 lobsters recovered were several egg-bearing females, all of which were returned to the ocean alive. Wildlife officials emphasize the ecological importance of protecting these reproductive females, noting that a single female can produce between 50,000 and 800,000 eggs annually, which she carries for about 10 weeks. The loss of even one such specimen can significantly undermine the long-term health of the lobster fishery.
A total of six suspects were taken into custody and now face multiple charges, including:
- Fishing for lobster outside the legal season,
- Capturing lobsters below the minimum size limit,
- Using prohibited hook-and-line gear,
- Possessing more than triple the daily bag limit.
Each infraction carries a maximum fine of $1,000, and offenders could also face up to one year in county jail.
