Creature Feature: Giant Rock Scallop

The giant rock scallop may be found statewide from the lower intertidal area to depths of around 147 ft. They typically inhabit offshore reefs, although concrete pier pilings and rock jetty entrances to bays in southern California have also become favorite habitats.

Lobster Report Cards Due Soon – Your Data Informs Lobster Fishery Management

During the day, spiny lobsters bide their time in dens, often accompanied by other creatures, such as eels, urchins, or fellow lobsters. CDFW photo by D. Stein

Spiny lobster surrounded by brittle stars and a red sea urchin. CDFW/MARE photo

Did you dive or hoop net for spiny lobster last season? How many lobsters did you catch?

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reminds lobster report card holders that report cards are due by April 30, 2024. The lobster report card is the official way for you to report your lobster fishing activity and is required to be submitted even if you didn’t fish for lobster, or didn’t catch any legal-sized keepers. Reporting zero lobsters caught on your report card is just as important as reporting successful trips.

Partial Area Closure for Commercial Dungeness Crab Fishery, Recreational Dungeness Crab Trap Restriction Set for April 8

Dungeness crab. shutterstock photo

Live Dungeness crab in a seawater-filled container, with crab pots stacked on the back deck. CDFW photo by C. Juhasz

Dungeness crab in a vessel sorting box. CDFW photo by C. Juhasz

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is closing the commercial Dungeness crab fishery from the Sonoma/Mendocino county line to the U.S./Mexico border (Fishing Zones 3, 4, 5, and 6). Commercial crabbing in the Northern Management Area

Help Develop California’s Red Abalone Recovery Plan: Join the Community Working Group

Red abalone beneath a rocky ledge. CDFW photo by C. Juhasz

Red abalone at Schooner Gulch. CDFW photo by C. Juhasz

 

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is seeking individuals to join the Red Abalone Recovery Plan Community Working Group. Applications for serving on the Community Working Group must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2024.

Marine Region’s 2023 By the Numbers Report Now Available

The 2023 By the Numbers report is now available for your reading pleasure. The By the Numbers report summarizes some of the most important commercial and recreational fishing statistics from the past year, for your easy review. It also includes a condensed summary of 2023 Marine Region accomplishments.

2023 was a year of high-highs and unfortunately low-lows, but Marine Region staff worked hard to ensure California’s marine fisheries and ecosystems