The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) recently cited four individuals in Los Angeles for multiple violations related to the illegal harvest of spiny lobster during the closed season.
During a coastal patrol near Royal Palms Beach, officers recovered 236 spiny lobsters, of which 210 were undersized. The individuals involved did not possess fishing licenses and were not carrying the measuring devices required by law.
The commercial and recreational spiny lobster season in Southern California has been closed since March. Most of the recovered lobsters were still alive and were safely released back into the ocean after documentation.
Citations were issued for:
- Harvesting lobster during a closed season
- Possession of undersized lobster
- Commercial activity without a license
- Fishing without a license
- Harvesting without a measuring device
This case highlights the importance of compliance with state fishing regulations designed to support sustainable management of California’s spiny lobster fishery.