Overview
CDFW has developed the Interim Artificial Reef Project Review Framework (Framework) to provide consistency in responding to artificial reef project consultation and permitting requests prior to the adoption of the California Artificial Reef Program (CARP) Plan. The Framework is guided by and consistent with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's (CDFW's) authority under the California Endangered Species Act (California Code of Regulations Title 14 (CCR T-14), §§783.0 -787.9; Fish and Game Code (FGC) §§ 2050-2115.5), other permitting authority (CCR §650 et seq.; FGC §§1002,1002.5, 1003), and the California Environmental Quality Act (CCR T-14 §15000 et seq.); Public Resources Code §§21000-21189.91).
The Framework is intended to be used by permitting agencies and applicants when applying for permits to create artificial reefs which are not related to compensatory mitigation. The Framework reflects CDFW’s position of a limited scale and scope approach to artificial reef placement, prior to the adoption of the CARP Plan, to gain knowledge about the best approaches to siting, materials, design, function and performance which is consistent with FGC §6423 et seq. and the best available science. The Framework recognizes the expanded scope of artificial reefs for additional benefits such as wave attenuation; non-fishery species and habitat restoration that align with current policy mandates; and the need to adapt to rising sea levels and other climate change impacts which are not in conflict with the current statute (FGC §§6420 - 6423).
Interim Artificial Reef Project Review Framework
- Project should be well-designed and sized appropriately for a pilot or experimental project to support the scientific evaluation of data gaps related to artificial reef siting, materials, design, impact, benefits, and functioning.
- Project should be limited to the scale and scope necessary to achieve the study design objectives, and not be for mitigation.
- Applicable permits should be acquired from all relevant agencies as needed to allow data collection and collection of specimens if applicable to address experimental questions.
- Project should include a clear goal(s) and objective(s) that align with existing policy mandates and priorities (e.g. nature-based solutions to climate change; sea level rise adaptation, conservation of biodiversity; increase native fish or invertebrate production; improved water quality, etc.).
- Evaluation of the impacts and risks to existing habitat, including habitat type change, should be included where feasible in project design.
- Project should establish quantitative performance metrics, performance period, monitoring plan, and removal metrics developed in consultation with technical experts as appropriate from University of California and/or California State University campuses; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, CDFW, State Lands Commission, Coastal Commission, Bay Conservation and Development Commission and other regulatory authorities with jurisdiction over the project site or other research institutions, agencies, and consultants with relevant expertise.
- Timely annual reporting should be included and submitted to regulators as required in permit conditions.
- Project should include provisions for adaptive management based on monitoring results and annual recommendations from regulators.
- Projects may be required to be removed if it is causing a navigational hazard, physical hazard or significantly impacting ecosystem structure and function in a way that is not outweighed by benefits. Funding mechanisms for potential removal may be a consideration during project planning.
Most projects require multiple permits from state, federal, port, county and/or municipal regulatory agencies in addition to permits from CDFW. The state has Regional Water Control Boards that review projects in their areas. You can find information about permitting requirements from regulatory agencies by clicking the links below.
The Interim Artificial Reef Project Review Framework was reviewed by
Federal agencies with permit programs that may apply
IMPORTANT NOTE: The links provided on this page are not comprehensive and it is the responsibility of the project developer to determine all required permitting authorities to contact.