SANTA MONICA—On July 14, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife(CDFW) announced the arrest of six poachers caught fishing for Spiny Lobster out of season. The Spiny Lobster fishing season ended on March 18th. A total of 34 lobster were found stuffed in bags, vehicles, and some were hidden in a baby stroller on the Santa Monica Pier.
According to reports, wildlife detection dogs located the lobsters. CDFW released the lobsters back into the ocean. The reason it is illegal to fish for the Spiny Lobster right now is the loss of egg-bearing females could harm the fishery and negatively affect those who catch lobster legally for a living.
The female spiny lobster is able to produce anywhere between 50,000-800,000 eggs per brood. The gestational period of the spiny lobster is approximately 10 weeks.
According to the CDFW website the recreational fishery for spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus) is closed as of March 19, 2026 and will reopen on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
The CDFW reported that the six suspects were arrested on suspicion of fishing violations including; fishing for lobster out of season, exceeding the daily bag limit, possession of undersized lobster, Using a hook and line to catch lobster, and possessing over three times the daily limit.
Penalties may include fines up to $1,000. Per person and/or a one year in jail.
In addition to Spiny Lobster, it is also illegal to fish for the Giant Sea Bass or Abalone. The latter two do not have a season. It is illegal to fish for the Giant Sea Bass or Abalone in the state of California.
