CDFW photo by M. Parker
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will hold an online public hearing on Tuesday May 30, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. to discuss proposed regulatory amendments to California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 189, pertaining to commercial groundfish fishing. The amendments will clarify that existing federal commercial groundfish regulations are incorporated into state regulations and are applicable in state waters.
Additional proposed amendments include:
- Language specifying that it is unlawful to take and retain, possess or land any fish in violation of the Federal West Coast Groundfish Fishery Regulations, including violations of regulations extended to apply in state waters as specified in this section.
- Updates to the general definitions for consistency with terms defined in federal regulations and in statute.
- A newly proposed definition to establish that conservation areas, which are enclosed geographic areas defined by coordinates expressed in degrees latitude and longitude, are areas where the National Marine Fisheries Service may prohibit fishing, or limit fishing to particular gear types.
- Updated state contact information to attain copies of federal groundfish regulations.
The proposed amendments are intended to ensure consistency of state regulations with regulations effective in the Federal Register and Code of Federal Regulations. The action is expected to improve clarity and enforceability of state regulations.
CDFW is seeking comments on the proposed amendments as required by Fish and Game Code Section 7652.2. Public input can be provided to CDFW on or prior to the public hearing scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Tuesday May 30, 2023. For contact information, information on the virtual hearing, and the proposed regulatory language, please visit the CDFW website.
post by Melissa Mandrup, CDFW Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
Marine Management News 