Poaching Bust At Santa Monica Pier: 34 Lobsters Saved And Returned To The Ocean

Photo credit: CDFW

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced that wildlife officers from across Southern California carried out a successful crackdown on illegal lobster poaching at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles County.

The enforcement operation targeted the illegal poaching of California spiny lobsters, including egg-bearing females. According to CDFW, each female produces one brood of approximately 50,000 to 800,000 eggs each year and carries her brood for approximately 10 weeks before the eggs hatch.

During the operation, CDFW wildlife officers, assisted by specially trained K-9 teams, discovered 34 California spiny lobsters hidden in duffel bags, backpacks, vehicles, and even a baby stroller.

Fortunately, all 34 lobsters were rescued alive and safely returned to the ocean, giving them another chance to survive and reproduce in the wild.

The illegal poaching of egg-bearing females can have a significant impact on future lobster populations by reducing the number of young lobsters entering the ecosystem.

Authorities arrested six suspects on multiple alleged wildlife violations, including:

• Taking lobster out of season.

• Exceeding the daily bag limit.

• Possessing undersized lobsters.

• Illegally taking lobster using hook and line.

• Possessing more than three times the legal bag limit.

Officials noted that these violations can carry penalties of up to $1,000 per offense or up to one year in jail.

“Kudos to the dedicated wildlife officers and their K-9 partners for protecting a valuable marine resource, safeguarding future generations of California spiny lobster, and ensuring those who chose to violate our conservation laws are held accountable,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.

The successful operation highlights the important role wildlife officers play in combating poaching, protecting vulnerable marine species, and preserving healthy ocean ecosystems for future generations.