Make Plans to Attend MPA Day Management Review Forum

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) released the first Marine Protected Area (MPA) Decadal Management Review (Review) in January. The Review is a synthesis across the four pillars of the MPA Management Program and evaluates the progress of the MPA Network at meeting the goals of the Marine Life Protection Act since 2012.

If you are interested in learning more about the Review findings, or sharing information related to your contributions to the Review via a table or a poster,

Available Now! MPA Decadal Management Review Report

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is pleased to announce that the first Marine Protected Area (MPA) Decadal Management Review (Review) report is now available!

The Review provides a synthesis of the last decade of management activities in the four pillars of the MPA Management Program and the effectiveness of the MPA Network at meeting the goals of the Marine Life Protection Act. The Review is informed by

Upcoming Changes to Commercial Harvest Regulations for Kelp and Other Marine Algae

Bull kelp canopy at the ocean’s surface
photo by K. Elsmore

The California Fish and Game Commission has adopted regulation amendments and new regulations for commercial harvest of kelp and other marine algae that will go into effect on January 1, 2023.

The amended regulations include temporary changes that expire on Jan. 1, 2026.

New Hoop Net Regulations in Effect

Type A hoop nets, set (R) and being pulled to the surface (L).
CDFW illustration

Hoop net users statewide will want to review new hoop net regulations that went into effect on October 31, 2022, especially since the recreational Dungeness crab season opened during a trap restriction this past Saturday.

Hoop nets may be used for Dungeness crab instead of traps during a trap restriction. Crabbers may also use crab snares

New CDFW Squid Fishery Advisory Committee Seeks Members

Market squid aggregating to bright lights at night. photo courtesy of Connor Gallagher, Nomad Island

Squid vessels at night, lights ablaze, looking for market squid in Monterey Bay. CDFW photo by C. Wilson

Squid fishing vessel towing smaller “tender” boat off Monterey. CDFW photo by C. Wilson

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is soliciting nominations for a new Squid Fishery Advisory Committee (SFAC), which will review and provide input on potential changes to market squid fishery management.