DFG Wardens Cite Lobster Stealing Suspect off Dana Point
October 19, 2012
Byline: The Log Staff
DANA POINT — California Department of Fish and Game wardens have cited a man suspected of taking lobsters from others’ traps off Dana Point.
The incident occurred Oct. 6 when two wardens on a small boat patrol off Dana Point Harbor reportedly saw a small boat with no lights pulling commercial lobster traps out of the water. When the wardens approached the 12-foot boat with four men aboard and announced themselves as law enforcement, one man threw a line with a commercial lobster buoy back into the water.
After an investigation, wardens cited 42-year old Yanwu Li from Rowland Heights with four Fish and Game violations: disturbing a commercial lobster trap belonging to another person, fishing for lobster without a lobster report card in possession, possession of undersize lobster and fishing without a valid fishing license. The three other men aboard the boat with Li are still suspects and may be charged at a later date.
“The California Department of Fish and Game will aggressively pursue and arrest any individuals stealing from commercial lobster traps,” said Lt. Eric Kord. “Theft from these traps directly takes from the salaries of commercial fishermen, and puts the lobster fishery at further risk since many trap robbers take anything they find from the traps, including undersized lobsters.”
The DFG has forwarded the citation to the Orange County district attorney to file charges. Each count carries penalties of up to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.
“Commercial fishermen spend thousands of dollars on vessels, permits, trap gear and bait to try and make a living off the lobster fishery each season,” said Rodger Healy, a commercial lobster fisherman and president of the California Lobster and Trap Fishermen’s Association. “Those stealing from lobster traps completely circumvent the lobster fishery management system and involve themselves in the illegal take of a valuable resource.”
The California spiny lobster season opened Sept. 29 and runs through March 15. Anglers must have a valid California fishing license with an ocean stamp, a lobster report card and a lobster gauge to measure for proper size.
