Fourteen men received citations early Thursday for allegedly catching crabs out-of-season at a beach south of Half Moon Bay.
According to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy spotted several cars parked along Highway 1 at Tunitas Beach. He investigated and found the men fishing for crabs. Crab season was over at the end of June.
The California Fish & Game Department was notified and sent a warden. The fishermen were approached as they returned to their cars.
A total of 83 crabs were confiscated and released back into the ocean.
The accused poachers, identified as residents of Redwood City and East Palo Alto, were issued citations. They face fines ranging from $400 to $1,400.
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