CDFW Busts Alleged Illegal Activity Of Crabbers Taking Way Over Legal Limit

A California Department of Fish and Wildlife officer stumbled onto alleged illegal taking of crabs along the shoreline in San Luis Obispo County.

From a CDFW Facebook post

A CDFW wildlife officer patrolling Estero Bluffs State Park in San Luis Obispo County observed two individuals collecting crabs in the intertidal zone and placing them into a small plastic bag. As the individuals exited the area and returned toward the bluff trail, the officer observed one subject remove a sweatshirt and wrap it around the bag in an apparent attempt to conceal its contents.

The officer contacted the individuals at the top of the trail and requested to inspect the bag. Upon inspection, the officer immediately observed an extremely large number of striped shore crabs inside. After counting, the total came to 351 crabs — exceeding the legal limit by 281. Neither individual possessed a valid fishing license.

Both individuals were cited for fishing without a license and exceeding the legal bag limit. All crabs were seized and returned alive to the ocean. This case highlights how quickly overharvest can occur in intertidal areas and the lengths individuals may go to conceal violations.