California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) officers cited four individuals for multiple violations after catching them poaching spiny lobsters during the closed season near Royal Palms Beach in San Pedro.

The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Aug. 1. Around 11 p.m., officers on coastal patrol observed suspicious activity involving lights near the shoreline. They soon identified four individuals in wetsuits and diving gear actively harvesting lobsters and returning to shore repeatedly throughout the night.

Spiny lobster season in Southern California has been closed since March for both recreational and commercial harvest. At approximately 3 a.m., the suspects attempted to flee on foot when contacted by officers, but were quickly located and detained without further incident.

CDFW officers recovered a total of 236 spiny lobsters, 210 of which were undersized. The suspects did not possess fishing licenses or the required measuring devices. During open season, the legal possession limit is seven lobsters per person, each with a minimum size of 3¼ inches.

Most of the lobsters were found alive and were safely returned to the ocean after being counted and photographed for evidence.

The individuals were cited for multiple misdemeanor violations, including taking lobster during the closed season, possession of undersized lobster, commercialization without a license, no fishing license, and failure to carry a measuring device.

“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,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.