State wildlife officials announced the results Tuesday of an enforcement action against out-of-season spiny lobster poachers operating in Santa Monica Bay, resulting in six arrests and the recovery of more than 30 live creatures.
“Although the spiny lobster season closed on March 18, that has not deterred those who choose to violate the law,” according the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The agency announced that game wardens from across Southern California recently joined in an effort to nab lobster poachers at the Santa Monica Pier.
“The suspects involved took sophisticated measures to conceal their activities but despite their best efforts, wildlife officers identified and apprehended those involved,” according to a CDFW social media post.
Wildlife officers used specially trained canines to sniff out the coveted shellfish, which were hidden in duffel bags, backpacks, vehicles and a baby stroller, officials said.
Thirty-four lobsters, including several egg-bearing females, were seized and returned to the ocean alive.
According to the CDFW, each of the females are capable of producing between 50,000 to 800,000 eggs per year, which they carry for approximately 10 weeks.
“The loss of an egg-bearing female lobster can have a substantial impact on the health of the lobster fishery and directly impacts legal anglers,” according to the post. “During this operation, a total of six suspects were arrested for violations that included take of lobster out of season, exceeding the daily bag limits of lobster, take of undersized lobster, take of lobster by hook and line and possession of more than triple the daily bag limit of lobster.”
The wholesale price of spiny lobster can easily top $12 per pound, with retail prices far above that level.
Those arrested face up to $1,000 per violation or up to one year in jail.
Members of the public can report a wildlife crime in progress by calling CALTIP 24/7 at 888-334-CALTIP (888-334-2258) or submitting a tip through the free “tip411” phone app.
All reports can be made anonymously, and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward depending on the circumstances of the case.