Lobster Report Cards Due Soon – Your Data Informs Lobster Fishery Management

by marinenews, posted in Invertebrates, Regulations, Research
During the day, spiny lobsters bide their time in dens, often accompanied by other creatures, such as eels, urchins, or fellow lobsters. CDFW photo by D. Stein
Spiny lobster surrounded by brittle stars and a red sea urchin. CDFW/MARE photo

Did you dive or hoop net for spiny lobster last season? How many lobsters did you catch?

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reminds lobster report card holders that report cards are due by April 30, 2024. The lobster report card is the official way for you to report your lobster fishing activity and is required to be submitted even if you didn’t fish for lobster, or didn’t catch any legal-sized keepers. Reporting zero lobsters caught on your report card is just as important as reporting successful trips.

What may seem like simple and even mundane report card questions provide vital information that informs future management of this delicious crustacean. However, only about half of lobster report card holders turn in their report cards every April. This means CDFW staff must make assumptions about catch and effort for the half that did not return report cards, to estimate total annual catch and effort for the recreational fishery.

1940s lobster den
Historic photo of a lobster den from the 1940s (click to enlarge)
CDFW photo

When more people report the information from their lobster report cards, the result is more accurate and effective science-based management to support a sustainable and healthy recreational lobster fishery.  Please make your lobstering experience matter and turn in or submit your lobster report card online by April 30th.

Remember that any 2023-2024 lobster report card holder who fails to submit their report card data online or return their card(s) by April 30, 2024 will be charged a non-return fee of $21.60 upon purchase of a 2024-2025 lobster report card. In lieu of the non-return fee, anglers have the option of sitting out one lobster season to avoid paying the fee.

Curious about past seasons’ totals, which location caught (or rather reported) the most lobsters, or want to peruse our updated lobster FAQ? Visit the CDFW Recreational Lobster Fishing web page for the latest information. Finally, if you enjoy simple statistics (like we do) check out CDFW’s method for estimating recreational catch and effort using your lobster report card data.

post by Claudia Makeyev, CDFW Environmental Scientist