ORANGE COUNTY – On September 27, 2023, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced that wildlife officers cited multiple suspects illegally catching lobsters near Dana Point Harbor in Orange County September 23-24th. The California spiny lobster fishery is still closed and not set to open until Friday, Sept. 29.

On a nighttime patrol, CDFW officers contacted three subjects as they exited a jetty and found them in possession of 13 lobsters. A short time later, officers noticed two more suspects carrying bags, backpacks and two large dip nets used for catching lobster. During an inspection of the subjects’ gear and receptacles, officers found them in unlawful possession of 33 lobsters and one abalone.

Citations were issued for appropriate violations. The lobsters and abalone were released live back into the water.

“We thank CDFW officers for working to protect California’s natural resources and citing those who violate the law.  These officers work all hours of the day and night, seven days a week and are often investigating crimes in which subject are armed.   We are grateful for their bravery and dedication to public safety and fish and wildlife protection,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.