California Mom's $88K Fine for Clam Collection Reduced After Court Appeal

Family's beach trip turns costly after children mistake clams for seashells, leading to a hefty fine later reduced to $500.

Charlotte Russ and her children collected 72 clams at Pismo Beach, thinking they were seashells.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife issued an $88,993 fine for collecting clams without a license.
Russ explained the mix-up in court, resulting in the fine being lowered to $500.
The incident highlighted strict regulations to protect clam populations and ensure their growth.
The family learned valuable lessons about wildlife rules and now shares their experience to prevent others from similar mistakes.