CALIFORNIA – The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reported that they cited four men for taking lobsters during the closed season, in a Facebook post.

On August 1, at around 11 p.m., officers were on coastal patrol when they spotted lights and suspicious activity near Royal Palms Beach in the San Pedro neighborhood of Los Angeles. 

Officers saw four people in wetsuits diving for spiny lobsters and returning to shore all night. Both recreational and commercial spiny lobster seasons in Southern California had closed in March. 

At about 3 a.m., the suspects left the area.

Wildlife officers initiated contact and the suspects tried to flee on foot. Officers quickly located and apprehended the suspects without further incident.

Wildlife officers found in the back of their truck:

• 236 spiny lobsters taken during the closed season, 210 of which were undersized
• No fishing licenses
• No required measuring devices

During open season, each person may possess up to seven lobsters, each at least 3¼ inches long, measured from the eye socket to the carapace edge.

CDFW said that fortunately, most of the poached lobsters were still alive and were safely returned to the ocean after a quick count and photographs for evidence.

Cited for multiple misdemeanor violations

All four individuals were cited for multiple misdemeanor violations, including:

• Taking lobster during the closed season
• Possessing undersized lobster
• Commercialization without a license
• No fishing license
• No measuring device

CDFW says that to report something serious and help California’s fish and wildlife, people can call CalTIP at (888) 334-2258, available 24/7.

Tips can also be sent by texting “CALTIP” followed by your message to 847411 (tip411), or by download the CalTIP app from Apple’s App Store or Google Play to send tips anonymously. 

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