6 men were arrested for poaching lobsters at the Santa Monica Pier yesterday during the annual seasonal closure. Officials at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) say that the suspects used “sophisticated methods” to poach/hide them. They were hiding them in backpacks, a baby stroller, cars, and duffle bags. 34 lobsters including egg-bearing females were rescued by the forces and returned to the ocean alive.
The poach occurred while Ocean Avenue, which overlooks the pier, was closed for filming and blocked off by police.
From NBC Los Angeles: The suspects were facing a number of charges, including taking lobster out of season, exceeding the daily bag limits of lobster, taking of undersized lobster, taking of lobster by hook and line and possession of more than triple the daily bag limit of lobster. The men could face a $1,000 fine for each violation or one year in jail, according to the state..
Bad Democrat 
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