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Poachers tried to smuggle lobsters off Santa Monica Pier in a baby stroller, officials say
Nearly three dozen lobsters were seized from alleged poachers on the Santa Monica Pier.
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Poachers tried to smuggle lobsters off Santa Monica Pier in a baby stroller, officials say
Nearly three dozen lobsters were seized and six people were arrested for poaching at the Santa Monica Pier, state wildlife officials announced Tuesday. LAist's Makenna Cramer reports.
Topline:
Nearly three dozen lobsters were seized and six people were arrested for poaching at the Santa Monica Pier, state wildlife officials announced Tuesday.
The details: The poached crustaceans were hidden in duffel bags, backpacks, vehicles and a baby stroller, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The 34 lobsters were returned to the ocean alive, including several females, which can have 50,000 to 800,000 eggs each year.
Why it matters: Losing a lobster with eggs can have a “substantial impact” on the health of the local lobster population and anglers who are following the law, the department said on social media.
“Lobster poaching is high priority for CDFW and Wildlife Officers are diligently working to apprehend those who violate our resource laws,” the department said in a statement to LAist, adding that there were others illegally taking lobsters who officers weren’t able to catch.
Why now: The alleged poachers were arrested last Wednesday, about four months after the recreational spiny lobster season closed. They’re accused of taking lobster out of season, taking undersized lobsters and possessing more than triple the daily bag limits, among others. Each violation can bring up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine.
How you can help: If you see someone poaching or have information about a wildlife crime, you can make an anonymous tip to department officials by calling (888) 334-2258 at any time. You can also submit it through the “tip411” app from the Apple or Google Play stores. If you don’t want to download, you can submit the anonymous tip by texting 847411.
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If the information you provide leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward. Previous rewards have reached up to $3,500, according to the department. You can find more information here.
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