“CDFW officers work all hours of the day and night to help protect our natural resources.  They often encounter individuals who are armed and that in itself adds an element of danger to their jobs.   We thank them for their service and always hope for their complete safety.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

LOS ANGELES – On August 1, 2025, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) officers were on coastal patrol at around 11 p.m. when they spotted lights and suspicious activity near Royal Palms Beach in the San Pedro neighborhood of Los Angeles.

The officers observed four individuals in wetsuits and diving gear actively taking spiny lobsters and returning to shore throughout the night. Both the recreational and commercial spiny lobster season in Southern California is closed and has been since March. At about 3 a.m., the suspects left the area. CDFW officers initiated contact and the suspects attempted to flee on foot. A short search led to the suspects who were apprehended without further incident.

Here’s what the wildlife officers found:

• 236 spiny lobsters taken during the closed season, 210 of which were undersized
• No fishing licenses
• No required measuring devices

During the open lobster season, the possession limit is seven per person with a minimum size of 3 and ¼ inches measured in a straight line on the back from the rear edge of the eye socket to the rear edge of the body shell. Fortunately, most of the poached lobsters were still alive and were safely returned back into the ocean after a quick count and photographs for evidence.

All four individuals were cited for multiple misdemeanor violations, including:

• Taking lobster during the closed season

• Possessing undersized lobster

• Commercialization without a license

• No fishing license

• No measuring device

See something serious? Report it and help protect California’s fish and wildlife. You can:

• Call CalTIP at (888) 334-2258 – available 24/7

• Text “CALTIP” + your message to 847411 (tip411).