‘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.

Spiny Lobster Report Cards Due by April 30

California spiny lobster and red sea urchins
CDFW photo by D. Stein

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reminds 2020-2021 spiny lobster report card holders to mail their cards or submit them online by April 30, 2021, as required by regulations.

Upcoming Regulation Changes for Commercial Dungeness Crab and Other Trap Fisheries

Dungeness crab
CDFW photo by C. Juhasz

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is developing several important regulation changes that will affect the commercial Dungeness crab fleet and other trap fisheries in 2020 and beyond.

Spiny Lobster Report Cards Due by April 30, 2019

California spiny lobster
illustration by J. Hofmeister

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reminds 2018-2019 Spiny Lobster Report Card holders to submit their harvest report online or return their cards by April 30, 2019, as required by law. Information collected from the cards provides CDFW with data necessary to monitor and manage California’s spiny lobster fishery. CDFW generates estimates of recreational spiny lobster catch and effort based on data collected from lobster report cards each season.

Help CDFW Manage the Recreational Spiny Lobster Fishery – Return Report Cards On Time

California spiny lobster
CDFW photo by D. Stein

Divers and hoopnetters are reminded that the deadline for returning 2017-2018 Spiny Lobster Report Cards is approaching. Report card holders must submit report card information online or return their cards to the address printed on the card by April 30, 2018. Information collected from the cards provides the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) with data necessary to monitor and manage California’s spiny lobster fishery.