Lobster News, Magazine, and Blog Articles

View the December Commission meeting agenda (PDF)

• December: Deliver the FMP to the Commission starting the public comment period.
• February: Discussion hearing for the FMP and request to go to notice with the proposed regulations starting the 45-day comment period on the regulations.
• April: Possible adoption of the FMP and Discussion hearing for the proposed regulations.
• June: Possible adoption of the regulations.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has drafted a Lobster Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to guide future management of the fishery. It is crucial that management decisions be based upon a foundation of the best available science, and therefore CDFW has asked the California Ocean Science Trust (OST) to coordinate an external scientific and technical review of the harvest control rule threshold reference points prescribed in the draft Lobster FMP and supporting materials.

Harvest control rules are plans of action that prescribe adjustments in harvest regulations (e.g. fishing effort, allowable catch, minimum legal size) and are activated ("triggered") when a defined catch or biological limit, also known as a threshold reference point, is reached. CDFW is seeking an independent assessment of whether the technical components and supporting documents that underpin the proposed threshold reference points prescribed in the draft Lobster FMP are scientifically sound and reasonable given CDFW's currently available data streams and analysis techniques. For more information on the review process of the Lobster FMP please visit the California Ocean Science Trust website.

CDFW is releasing the preliminary draft of the Lobster FMP during the scientific review process as a courtesy to constituents. Public feedback is not being solicited on the preliminary draft, as sections of the FMP could be revised as a result of the scientific peer review.

The Lobster FMP is scheduled to be introduced to the Fish and Game Commission during the first quarter of 2015. At that time the formal public review process will begin and public comment on the Lobster FMP will be sought.

For further information, contact Kai Lampson, CDFW Senior Environmental Scientist.

View the preliminary draft of the Lobster Fishery Management Plan (PDF)

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife held two public meetings to share information about the Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan process in April, 2012 detail along with Public comments, questions and answers.

The meetings, which were held in Oxnard and Carlsbad, provided the public and interested organizations with an opportunity to learn more about CDFW's plans to develop a comprehensive Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has extended the date to receive applications for the Lobster Advisory Committee to May 11, 2012. The decision to extend the application deadline comes in response to input shared at recent public meetings to introduce the Lobster Fishery Management Plan process. CDFW is especially seeking applicants interested in representing southern California’s non-consumptive recreational public.

TheLobster Advisory Committee has a crucial role in the development of the fishery management plan. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife encourages public feedback and comment, as this will aid in the success of the Lobster Fishery Management Plan.

CDFW will begin accepting applications for the Lobster Advisory Committee (LAC) on April 11, 2012. All applications must be received by April 30, 2012. Final appointment to the Committee will be made by the Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) in consultation with CDFW Marine Region staff. Appointments will be announced no later than May 31, 2012.

For more information and an application, or to apply online, go to www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/Lobster-FMP/Committee or contact Ms. Rosalyn McFarland at (805) 568-1231.

The purpose of the LAC is to involve appointed representatives of constituent groups with providing advice, feedback, and recommendations to CDFW regarding the issues and actions that need to be taken during the development of a Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan. The LAC will give guidance on FMP objectives and end products, as well as provide ideas for management options that address the key issues put forth by constituents and members of the public.

The LAC will be made up of twelve members and five alternates. These are structured as follows: two marine science members and one alternate (biological and environmental); three recreational members and one alternate (hoop net anglers and divers); three commercial members and one alternate (harvesters and buyers); two non-consumptive recreational members and one alternate (cultural and wildlife); one environmental organization member and one alternate (NGO); and one federal agency member. An alternate member will not be appointed for the federal agency member. Alternates are only required to attend specific LAC meetings if requested to serve as a temporary replacement for a Committee member.

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