CDFW Officers Bust Alleged Abalone Poachers At Catalina Island

California Department of Fish and Wildlife officers made a bust on alleged abalone poachers on Catalina Island. Here’s more info in a Facebook post:

On the evening of Sept. 6, CDFW wildlife officers responded to a report that suspects on a vessel were taking abalone at Catalina Island. The responding officers located the vessel in Alamitos Harbor as the three suspects were preparing to depart. After the officers interviewed everyone on board, one of the suspects admitted to taking an abalone and ultimately showed the officers the illegal catch – a green abalone. The suspect was arrested and released upon his written promise to appear in court.

The abalone population is in a critical state and removing any from the population hinders recovery efforts. “The statewide prohibition on abalone take is a fundamental component of our efforts to restore California’s iconic abalone fisheries. Abalone grow slowly and need high densities to reproduce successfully,” explained CDFW Marine Region Manager Craig Shuman. “Compliance is essential to allow abalone populations the time they need to rebuild so that future generations can once again enjoy a sustainable and thriving fishery.”

Wild abalone are illegal to take or possess in California at any time, and CDFW’s Law Enforcement Division specifically focuses enforcement efforts on these regulations. Wildlife officers spend countless hours patrolling the coastline and offshore islands for any suspicious activity that appears to involve abalone poaching. If you see or know of a wildlife crime in progress or that has already occurred, call the CALTIP line 24/7 at 1-888-358-2258.