Agents with California Department of Fish and Wildlife said they busted a group of more than 40 people suspected of illegally taking Dungeness crabs off the coast near San Francisco over the Labor Day holiday weekend, issuing 15 citations.

The agency on Thursday announced the results of the bust , which took place on the night of Aug. 30. Around 9 p.m., CDFW officials responded to a report of crab poaching at Thornton Beach, just off the coast of Daly City.

The initial report claimed "about 30 people" were involved, but the agency said closer to 45 people were illegally taking Dungeness crabs by hand under lights, while the season was closed.

Officers intercepted people as they hiked back up the trail.

Just after 9 p.m. on Aug. 30, CDFW wildlife officers responded to a CALTIP report

See Full Page