Lobster Poachers Arrested at SM Pier

The suspects allegedly hid the lobsters in a baby stroller.

July 27, 2026 · Santa Monica

Six suspected lobster poachers were arrested at the Santa Monica Pier this week, after game wardens found 34 spiny lobsters stashed in the mens’ backpacks, and even a baby stroller.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife [announced the bust today](https://ktla.com/news/local-news/poached-lobsters-found-hidden-in-backpacks-baby-stroller-at-santa-monica-pier-6-arrested/), saying the suspects took sophisticated measures to conceal their haul. Officers used specially trained dogs to sniff out the hidden lobsters, several of which were egg-bearing females.

It is illegal to fish for spiny lobsters in Los Angeles during mandatory season close, from mid-March to late September. Officers often conduct raids at popular fishing areas like the pier.

The men could face penalties of $1,000 in fines or a year in jail.

All 34 of the lobsters they caught were returned to the ocean alive. Some were females, whose poaching can be especially harmful to area populations. Officials told the Westside Current each egg-bearing female can [produce up to 800,000 eggs](https://www.westsidecurrent.com/santa_monica/poaching-bust-uncovers-lobsters-hidden-in-baby-stroller-at-santa-monica-pier/article_e6e03048-a160-4bde-8d08-cae79e1d8971.html) a year, meaning the loss of a single one can ripple through the fishery.