Two cited for allegedly taking abalone off Moss Cove

California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials cited two men for allegedly taking abalone off Moss Cove in Laguna Beach, according to the department’s website.

Juni Pong, a 47-year-old El Monte resident, and Kuan Yee, a 47-year-old Yorba Linda resident, were each cited on suspicion of possessing abalone and taking fish inside a Marine Protected Area, both possible misdemeanor violations, Fish and Wildlife said.

Department spokesman Andrew Hughan was not able to confirm the date of the incident. Calls seeking that information were not returned.

Pong and Yee were released and their case will be reviewed by the Orange County District Attorney, according to the department.

Both men were reportedly wearing full SCUBA gear when department wardens spotted them.

After more than an hour of diving, authorities met the men on the beach and found two green abalone in each man’s gear, the department said.

Officials photographed the abalone for evidence and returned them to the ocean before and impounding the men’s diving gear as evidence.

Abalone may only be taken north of San Francisco Bay during certain seasons, according to the department.

—Bryce Alderton

Twitter: @AldertonBryce