CDFW officers reported finding 55 lobsters aboard a vessel in the Long Point State Marine Reserve, including 49 undersized lobsters.
CATALINA ISLAND — Opening weekend of California’s recreational spiny lobster season resulted in citations near Catalina Island after wildlife officers reported finding dozens of undersized lobsters aboard a vessel operating in the Long Point State Marine Reserve.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced the enforcement action Oct. 27, reporting that officers encountered the vessel and its occupants during opening weekend and explained the regulations that applied to lobster fishing in the area. Officers also answered questions from those aboard during the initial contact.
Later that night, CDFW officers encountered the same vessel again and boarded to inspect the catch and check for compliance with fishing regulations.
During the inspection, officers asked whether there were additional lobsters aboard beyond those that were visible. The occupants reportedly said there were not. A subsequent search of the vessel, however, uncovered eight undersized lobsters concealed in a hatch and another four undersized lobsters in a bucket.
CDFW reported finding 55 lobsters in total. Of those, 49 were undersized, and the catch also exceeded the legal possession limit by six lobsters.
The individuals involved were arrested and released with citations for possession of undersized lobster and exceeding daily bag limits.
The incident serves as an early-season reminder that recreational lobster fishing comes with specific requirements governing both the size and number of lobsters anglers may keep.
California’s recreational spiny lobster regulations require a minimum carapace length of 3-1/4 inches. Lobsters must be measured immediately after being brought out of the water, and any lobster that does not meet the minimum size must immediately be returned to the water. The daily recreational bag and possession limit is seven spiny lobsters per person.
A lobster gauge capable of accurately measuring the minimum legal carapace length must be carried while lobster fishing.
The location of the enforcement action adds another consideration for anglers fishing around Catalina Island. Long Point State Marine Reserve is part of California’s network of marine protected areas, where restrictions on the take of marine life apply. Lobster anglers should check MPA boundaries and regulations before setting hoop nets or entering the water to make sure they’re fishing in an area where take is permitted.
Opening weekend traditionally draws considerable interest from Southern California lobster anglers, particularly around Catalina Island and other rocky coastal areas. The excitement of the opener, however, doesn’t change the responsibility to measure each lobster as soon as it comes aboard and keep an accurate count of the catch.
CDFW encourages anglers to review current regulations before heading onto the water, including season dates, lobster-size limitations, bag limits, report card requirements, and restrictions associated with marine protected areas.
The Oct. 27 enforcement announcement provides a particularly noticeable example of why those checks matter. Of the 55 lobsters officers reported finding aboard the vessel, nearly nine out of every 10 were below the legal minimum size.
