“CDFW officers play an important role in protecting California’s fish and wildlife by enforcing laws that prohibit the illegal take of protected species and limits on harvest. These laws help maintain healthy wildlife populations, preserve our natural resources, and ensure that California’s diverse fish and wildlife remain abundant for future generations and visitors to enjoy.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

CATALINA ISLAND -On September 6, 2026, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) officers responded to a report of suspects on a vessel who were taking abalone at Catalina Island. The responding officers located the vessel in Alamitos Harbor as three suspects were preparing to depart. Officers interviewed everyone on board and one of the suspects admitted to taking an abalone and ultimately showed the officers the illegal catch – a green abalone. The suspect was arrested and released upon his written promise to appear in court.

“The statewide prohibition on abalone take is a fundamental component of our efforts to restore California’s iconic abalone fisheries. Abalone grow slowly and need high densities to reproduce successfully,” explained CDFW Marine Region Manager Craig Shuman. “Compliance is essential to allow abalone populations the time they need to rebuild so that future generations can once again enjoy a sustainable and thriving fishery.”

Wild abalone are illegal to take or possess in California at any time, and CDFW’s Law Enforcement Division specifically focuses enforcement efforts on these regulations. Wildlife officers spend countless hours patrolling the coastline and offshore islands for any suspicious activity that appears to involve abalone poaching.

If you see or know of a wildlife crime in progress or that has already occurred, call the CALTIP line 24/7 at 1-888-358-2258.