Officers with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) arrested multiple individuals aboard a vessel after an investigation revealed 49 undersized lobsters on board.
CDFW officers were on patrol 27 October during opening weekend of the California lobster season when they interacted with a vessel fishing in the Long Point State Marine Reserve. The officers claim they explained the state’s lobster regulations to the individuals onboard before leaving. The officers caught up with the vessel later that night and decided to board it for a compliance check. Noticing some undersized lobsters, the officers asked the individuals if they had any other lobsters, and they said they did not. However, a subsequent inspection revealed 11 more undersized lobsters – four concealed in a bucket, and eight hidden in a hatch.
In total, CDFW officers found 55 lobsters, 49 of which were determined to be undersized and another six that were over the legal possession limit.
The subjects on the vessel were arrested and later released with citations for possession of undersized lobster and exceeding daily bag limits, according to the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association.
“CDFW reminds anyone fishing for lobsters that lobsters must be immediately measured upon being brought out of the water and any undersized lobsters must be returned to the water immediately,” the association said in its release. “Knowing and following fishing regulations helps protect California’s marine resources.”
