safety
Poachers tried to smuggle lobsters off Santa Monica Pier in a baby stroller, officials say
By Makenna Cramer at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· July 14, 2026
· 2 min read
Nearly three dozen lobsters were seized from alleged poachers on the Santa Monica Pier.(California Department of Fish and Wildlife / Facebook)Topline:Nearly three dozen lobsters were seized and six people were arrested for poaching at the Santa Monica Pier, state wildlife officials announced Tue...
Key takeaway (California Department of Fish and Wildlife / Facebook)Topline:Nearly three dozen lobsters were seized and six people were arrested for poaching at the Santa Monica Pier, state wildlife officials announced Tuesday.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The seizure of nearly three dozen lobsters from alleged poachers on the Santa Monica Pier has significant implications for the local marine ecosystem. With several of the seized lobsters being females capable of producing up to 800,000 eggs per year, the removal of these crustaceans from the ocean could have had a substantial impact on the health of the local lobster population. The fact that the alleged poachers were attempting to smuggle the lobsters off the pier in creative ways, including a baby stroller, suggests a level of desperation and disregard for the law. This incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and enforcement of wildlife laws in Los Angeles County, particularly during closed seasons. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife's efforts to apprehend those who violate resource laws are crucial to maintaining the balance of the local ecosystem and ensuring that anglers who follow the law are not unfairly disadvantaged.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: safety ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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What is this story about? Nearly three dozen lobsters were seized from alleged poachers on the Santa Monica Pier.(California Department of Fish and Wildlife / Facebook)Topline:Nearly three dozen lobsters were seized and six people were arrested for poaching at the Santa Monica Pier, state wildlife officials announced Tue...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Makenna Cramer at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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