California officials to boost spiny lobster protections

Concerned about the rising popularity of spiny lobster hunting off California, state fishery managers are moving to boost protections for the crustaceans.

The Daily Breeze of Torrance reported Tuesday that the Department of Fish and Wildlife will release a draft plan of new lobster fishing rules next month.

State regulators say they have worked with fishers and environmentalists for more than a year to develop rules that will please those who want to sustain the ecosystem with less fishing, and those who want to hunt.

The final plan is due next year.

The California spiny lobster fishery stretches from Monterey Bay to Mexico. It is one of the state’s most lucrative fisheries because of the potential high commercial price of lobsters.