Wildlife officers with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) cited multiple individuals for illegally harvesting spiny lobsters in July, when the season is closed.
The state closed the season back in March, as it does every year to allow the species to safely reproduce for part of the year.
According to CDFW, officers on a late-night patrol in Palos Verdes, California, U.S.A., encountered multiple suspects illegally taking lobster. In a first incident, officers spotted three suspects actively catching lobsters and approached them, only to find five lobsters illegally within their possession. In a second incident, officers caught two more suspects who had 12 lobsters between them. Multiple lobsters were carrying eggs.
The lobsters were returned to the ocean alive, while the suspects were arrested and released with citations.
Earlier in the month, CDFW officers convened on Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles County, where they used trained dogs to hunt down illegally harvested lobsters. Law enforcement ultimately seized 34 illegally harvested lobsters – several of which were carrying eggs – and returned them to the ocean.
Six suspects were arrested on lobster violations. According to CDFW, violations can carry a penalty of USD 1,000 (EUR 867) and up to a year in jail.
