‘Tis the Season for Saltwater “Bugs” – California Spiny Lobster Season Opens Soon

Spiny lobster den surrounded by sea urchins. CDFW photo by D. Stein

Hoop nets may be used by those fishing for lobster recreationally. CDFW photo by D. Stein

Measuring a spiny lobster carapace to determine whether it meets the minimum recreational size requirement. CDFW photo by D. Stein

Happy Autumn! For many of us, that means apple picking and pumpkin spice… everything! For both recreational and commercial fishermen along California’s southern coast, it signifies the start of spiny lobster fishing season.

Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: South Cape Mendocino State Marine Reserve, Sugarloaf Island Special Closure, and Steamboat Rock Special Closure

MPA sign at the SMR, Steamboat Rock to the left. CDFW photo by S. Worden

Sugarloaf Island, just north of South Cape Mendocino SMR. photo by A. Zykov, CC BY-SA 2.0

Sunrise at Cape Mendocino. photo by S. Worden

Although California is the most populous state in the United States, much of the coastal area north of San Francisco is undeveloped and provides the perfect escape for those seeking a bit of solitude.

Celebrate World Oceans Day with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife!

Kelp bass and salema over an eelgrass bed in S. Calif. photo by S. Wertz

Surfer. photo by A. Van Diggelen

Wolf-eel and sea urchins off the Farallon Islands, central Calif. CDFW/MARE photo

It’s that time of year again, when people around the world celebrate the beauty, resources, and enjoyment the ocean gives us. That’s right, today, June 8^th is World Oceans Day!

New Recreational Grunion Regulations Starting June 1

Grunion run. CDFW photo

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife would like to inform all who fish for or collect California grunion (Leuresthes tenuis) that the California Fish and Game Commission has recently adopted new grunion sport fishing regulations.

Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Point Buchon State Marine Reserve and Point Buchon State Marine Conservation Area

Point Buchon State Marine Reserve and Point Buchon State Marine Conservation Area as seen from the water.
photo by E. Johnston

Along the coast of San Luis Obispo County between Morro Bay and Pismo Beach lies a scenic and sparsely populated stretch of shoreline. In 2007, a portion of the undersea and tidal habitats off the coast was designated for protection from fishing as part of California’s network of 124 marine protected areas (MPAs). Point Buchon State Marine Reserve (SMR) protects all marine resources from take, starting at the mean high tide line and extending offshore.