Marine Management News Fish Identification Quiz

Welcome to the Marine Management News Fish Identification Quiz for August 2018! Here’s your chance to show off your fish identification knowledge and win a “Release At Depth” rockfish barotrauma cap and a copy of California’s Living Marine Resources: A Status Report. To qualify for the drawing, simply send the correct information to AskMarine@wildlife.ca.gov by September 30, 2018 identifying:

• The species of the fish pictured below (scientific name) and an accepted common name, and
• The daily bag limit, as found in the 2018-2019 Saltwater Sport Fishing regulations booklet

Be sure to enter “August MMN Fish Quiz” as the “Subject” of your e-mail. The winner will be selected during a random drawing from all correct answers received by September 30, 2018.

photo by D. Shigematsu

Snapshot: Saltwater State Record Catches for 2017

Jeffrey Yuan and his state angling record Calico Surfperch – CDFW file photo

Daniel Silveira and his state diving record Bocaccio – CDFW file photo

Yu Fukushima and his state diving record Shortfin Mako Shark – CDFW file photo

In 2017, four saltwater anglers and three spear fishermen became new state record holders after hauling in some exceptional fish. 

Final 2017 Commercial Landings Reports Now Available

Commercial gillnetter with a deck full of Pacific Herring.
CDFW photo

The Final California Commercial Landings report for 2017 has been posted to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. The report consists of summary tables that provide landings information by month, by port, and by area of California.

2017 commercial passenger fishing vessel (party/charter boat) landings have also been posted in summary table form.

As Crab Season Ends, Time to Collect Gear

Commercial crab traps
CDFW photo by C. Juhasz

With the end of the season less than a month away, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reminds Dungeness crab fishermen that all gear must be removed from the water by the last day of the season. The commercial and recreational fishing seasons close south of the Sonoma/Mendocino county line on Saturday, June 30. North of the Sonoma/Mendocino county line the commercial season closes on Sunday, July 15, while the recreational season closes on Monday, July 30.

The reminder is part of an effort to clear coastal waters of Dungeness crab traps in a timely manner

Exploring California’s Marine Protected Areas: Soquel Canyon State Marine Conservation Area

Soquel Canyon State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) lies deep within scenic, half moon-shaped Monterey Bay, where dark mysteries lure scientists and anglers alike.