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Be careful where you step! Record numbers of small round stingrays moved into the shallows of Southern California’s sandy beaches this summer. These fish hide on the sea floor under a dusting of sand, and won’t hesitate to sting any waders who accidentally tread on them. Full article ➜
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California’s marine protected areas (MPAs) are often referred to as “underwater parks,” likening them to the national and state parks that protect California’s flora and fauna on land. Just like the redwood and pine forests in our terrestrial parks, MPAs have forests of their own made of towering kelp. You… Full article ➜
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Dolphinfish, or dorado as it is frequently called in California, range worldwide in temperate seas, and may be found coastwide off California during warm water years. Most catches occur in the Southern California Bight however, especially south of Los Angeles. Temperature seems to be an important factor in defining the… Full article ➜
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Yellowfin, bluefin, and albacore tuna have all shown up off the California coast in large numbers in 2026, along with more infrequently seen fish such as wahoo, striped marlin, bullet tuna, and dorado. What is causing the influx of warmwater species? A marine heatwave has increased ocean temperatures this year,… Full article ➜
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The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) invites you to explore the first release of the California spiny lobster recreational fishery newsletter. This annual newsletter is designed to help keep you informed about what’s happening in recreational lobster fishery, and the 2026-2027 issue is available now. Full article ➜
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The National Marine Fisheries Service took action this week, on August 19, 2026, to modify ocean salmon fishing seasons for portions of the California coast. The San Francisco Management Area, between Point Arena and Pigeon Point, will remain open to recreational ocean salmon fishing through Aug. 23. The remainder of… Full article ➜
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For the latest information on fishing regulations and news affecting California’s ocean resources, your first stop should be the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW’s) Marine Region web pages. This comprehensive information source includes hundreds of ocean-related web pages and documents readily available to the public. Full article ➜
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Six native species commonly known as littleneck clams or chiones are found on the California coast, but only one is found statewide: the Pacific littleneck clam. This clam is often found in coarse, sandy mud in bays, sloughs, and estuaries but may also be found in soft mud and eelgrass… Full article ➜
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The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has completed evaluations and recommendations for the five Tribally-led 2023 Bin 2 Marine Protected Area (MPA) Petitions. CDFW’s evaluations are now available on CDFW’s 2023 MPA Petition StoryMap. Also available on StoryMap are (1) an initial assessment of equitable access and California… Full article ➜
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Attention recreational anglers – the National Marine Fisheries Service has taken action today, July 28, 2026, to close or modify ocean salmon fishing seasons for portions of California’s north coast. The Klamath Management Zone, which includes ocean waters between the California/Oregon border and 40º10′ N. latitude, is now closed. The… Full article ➜
