CDFW News

California Fish and Game Commission: No maximum size limit adopted for striped bass; CESA evaluation coming for one of state’s rarest plants

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:12:13 GMT

After years of discussion and consideration of public comment and scientific research, the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) did not approve a proposed regulation amendment to set a maximum size limit for recreational striped bass fishing. This decision and regulatory action affecting California’s natural resources took place at the Commission’s October 8-9 meeting in Sacramento.

For recreational striped bass harvest, proposed regulatory amendments requested through an externally submitted petition would have kept the minimum size limit at 18-inches and set a maximum length limit at 30 inches for harvest of striped bass in anadromous waters. The petition’s stated goal was to protect larger, mature fish. The Commission voted 3-2 to not set a maximum size limit.

California Endangered Species Act (CESA) candidacy was granted for Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella and Pacific pocket mouse. Commissioners found sufficient scientific information to warrant possible CESA listings.

Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella is considered one of California’s rarest plants and the Pacific pocket mouse was once thought extinct. Each face threats such as habitat loss due to development. These species will now receive CESA protections while a status review is underway for potential CESA listing.

The Commission adopted regulations adding invasive non-native mussels, including golden mussel, pond mussel and axe-head mussel, and green crab to the list of live animals restricted from importation, transportation and possession.

As part of an emergency regulation, golden mussel was added to the list of restricted species in December 2024 after the discovery of golden mussel in California in October 2024. Golden mussel was first detected in the Port of Stockton and have since spread from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta into other California waterways that receive water from the Delta.

Golden mussel, pond mussel, axe-head mussel and green crab pose threats to ecosystems, water infrastructure and economies. These invasive mussels can clog water pipelines, colonize inside boat engines and alter food webs affecting native species. Green crab outcompetes native species for food and habitat, disrupting marine ecosystems and threatening native fisheries; they also prey on farmed bivalves.

Inductees to the 2025 California Waterfowlers Hall of Fame were recognized at this Commission meeting. Fritz Reid, Mike Passaglia and Rex Carr were honored as individuals who have made significant contributions to enhance and conserve waterfowl and their habitats in California.

The closure of commercial bull kelp harvest in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties was extended through January 2029. Initially a three-year restriction on commercial bull kelp harvest from Sonoma County to the Oregon border was adopted in February 2022 in response to multi-year declines in bull kelp populations. Bull kelp has shown only limited reestablishment, warranting an extension.

Meeting Participation and Next Meeting

Commission President Erika Zavaleta, Vice President Samantha Murray and commissioners Jacque Hostler-Carmesin, Eric Sklar and Darius Anderson were in attendance for both days of the October Commission meeting.

The complete agenda for the meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the Commission website. Archived video of past Commission meetings is available online. The next meeting of the Commission is scheduled for December 10-11 at the California Natural Resources Building, second floor, 715 P St., Sacramento. Participants are encouraged to attend in person, with options available for Zoom or phone; for the agenda and more information visit the Commission website.

The Commission authorized staff to notify the public of potential regulation changes related to:

Recreational take of groundfish (PDF) A discussion hearing is scheduled for December 10-11 and an adoption hearing Febuary 11-12 on proposed amendments to regulations regarding recreational take of rockfish, cabezon, greenling and lingcod.

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Media Contacts: 
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
Katie Talbot, CDFW Communications, (916) 204-1381

CDFW Awards $2.5 Million for Golden Mussel Response and Boating Access Projects

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 12:55:22 GMT

Announces Availability of Additional $2 Million for Boating Access Projects

Today the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced the award of $2.5 million in grants for five projects to support public recreational boating access to state waterways. These projects will help prevent the spread of invasive golden mussels, improve public access to California’s waterways, expand recreational boating opportunities, and promote stewardship of aquatic resources.

”Supporting safe and reliable access for all boaters and anglers means investing in boating facilities as well as protecting our waterways from invasive species,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “A portion of this grant funding will directly support California’s response to limiting the spread of golden mussels as part of a larger ongoing coordinated effort.”

Looking ahead, CDFW also announced today that the Boating Access Grant Program is now accepting proposals for the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Boating Access Proposal Solicitation Notice (PDF) and has approximately $2 million to award. Proposals are due by 4 p.m. on Nov. 7, 2025, through the CDFW WebGrants Portal. Contact BoatingAccess@wildlife.ca.gov with any questions.

CDFW will hold an online Public Workshop (PDF) on Oct. 2, 2025, at 10 a.m., to provide an overview of the Boating Access Program, including eligible activities, program requirements, and granting process. Workshop attendance is not a requirement for submitting a proposal.

Below is a list of awarded projects which will soon begin work supported by CDFW Boating Access Grant Program funds. The Boating Access projects are supported with federal funding from the Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which provides funds to state fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access, and aquatic education.

Invasive Golden Mussel Program

($1.3 million to CDFW)

After the discovery of the invasive golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in Oct. 2024, CDFW responded with approximately $1.3 million in Sport Fish Restoration/Boating Access grant funding to support the program and projects that prevent the spread of invasive mussels in California waters. Funds will support the purchase of decontamination units, high-pressure wash stations, improvements to boat ramps and wash stations, and hands-on training for facility staff in boat inspection and decontamination procedures. More information can be found on CDFW’s golden mussel page.

Other Boating Access Project Highlights

Alviso Marina County Park Boat Ramp Replacement

($226,000 to county of Santa Clara, Parks and Recreation Department)

“The County of Santa Clara deeply values its long-term partnership with CDFW,” said Todd Lofgren, Director of Santa Clara County Parks Department. “Alviso Marina County Park is well-loved by boaters, as it provides one of the few clear routes through the salt marshes out to the open waters of San Francisco Bay, and the repair and replacement of the launch and dock is a community need that the Department is excited to deliver on with CDFW’s support.” The project will repair the boat launch ramp, the replacement of existing wooden planks on three public access boardwalks, and improvements to the facility parking lot.

Copco Valley Public Access and Recreational Boating Facility for a Renewed Klamath River

($582,915 to Klamath River Renewal Corporation)

As the Klamath River recovers and flows change following the dam removal in 2024, there are new recreational opportunities and increased public interest in the area. To meet capacity and safety needs, the construction of the Copco Valley recreation site will be a critical access point on the Klamath River for boating, fishing, and other uses. The project will not only support recreation and public interest opportunities but further allow the public to see first-hand the positive impacts of dam removal on conservation, wildlife, and the local communities and economies.

Arena Cove Boating Access Project

($224,000 to City of Point Arena)

This project will enhance boating access from Arena Cove, which is a major point of entry for many residents of Mendocino and Sonoma counties. Project activities will include the replacement of the aging boat launch hoist, boarding float and gangway, all of which are essential components of boating access from Arena Cove. The urgent facility repairs address site safety, negative environmental impacts of old equipment and ensure continued boating access in the future.

Santa Ana Launch Ramp Slurry/Crack-fill FY25/26

($223,000 to Casitas Municipal Water District)

This project will support vital maintenance of the Lake Casitas Santa Ana Boat Launch Facility in Ventura County and encourage public use of the lake for boating and recreation. Refurbishment of the existing parking lot will allow continued public use of the boat launch facility, which is currently largely unused due to deferred maintenance.

Background

In late 2023 CDFW announced availability of funding for the Boating Access Grant Program. The Sport Fish Restoration Act (SFRA) created the Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Program provides funds to state fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access, and aquatic education. The funding for this grant program comes through revenue from manufacturers’ excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, import duties on fishing tackle and pleasure boats, and a portion of gasoline fuel tax attributable to small engines and motorboats. The Boating Access sub-program of the Sport Fish Restoration Grant program provides federal funds for facilities that create or add to public access for recreational boating and improvements to waterways that increase access to recreational boating opportunities.

Photo courtesy of Santa Clara County, Parks and Recreation Department. A damaged boat launch to be repaired by the Alviso Marina County Park Boat Ramp Replacement project.

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Media Contacts:
Matt Wells, CDFW Watershed Restoration Grant Branch, (916) 216-7848
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714

California Takes Action to Halt Golden Mussel Invasion

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 12:35:36 GMT

In response to the recent detection of golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the state of California has developed a comprehensive Golden Mussel Response Framework to address this urgent invasive species threat. The discovery in October 2024 marked the first known occurrence of golden mussel in North America. To combat this threat, the framework provides coordinated strategies by multiple California departments to prevent further introduction and spread of golden mussels, as well as to contain and suppress infestations to minimize their impact on the environment, water conveyance, recreation and agriculture.

In addition, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering $1 million in grant funding to boating facility operators to enhance efforts against invasive mussels, particularly the threat of golden mussels. This funding supports projects that help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive mussels in lakes, reservoirs and waterways, ensuring the long-term health of state waters. The grant solicitation and application link can be found on CDFW’s website.

Native to East and Southeast Asia, golden mussels pose a significant threat to California’s natural ecosystems, water infrastructure, agriculture, and economy. The invasive species has already caused major disruptions in other parts of the world, including heavy biofouling of water intake systems, and negative impacts to habitat and wildlife.

“The discovery of golden mussels in California is a serious challenge that requires coordinated action and a long-term commitment,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “This response framework recommends critical steps that must be taken across state, regional and local levels to limit the spread and mitigate the impacts of this invasive species.”

“Taking coordinated action to address this invasive species will help safeguard critical water infrastructure like the State Water Project from the negative impacts golden mussels can pose to water delivery systems,” said John Yarbrough, DWR Deputy Director for the State Water Project. “Using this new framework and close collaboration with partner agencies, DWR will implement strategies to address this invasive species and minimize impacts by monitoring for the mussels in SWP waters and developing a mitigation plan.”

Reservoir managers across the state are adjusting their recreational plans for the upcoming boating season to address concerns for the golden mussel.

“Recreational boating is a significant contributor to California’s economy, and California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is working diligently with allied industry and agency partners to provide outreach and educational information to boaters and waterbody managers on the importance of the Clean, Drain and Dry message to help protect the state’s waterways from invasive species,” said DBW Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez. “DBW recommends boaters contact the waterbody manager to learn of any updated requirements before they head out.”

DBW maintains a list of contacts at: https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/inspections.

The response framework developed by the Golden Mussel Task Force is composed of key state and federal agencies, including CDFW, DWR, California State Parks, California Department of Food and Agriculture, and several other federal and local partners. It outlines a comprehensive strategy to respond to the invasive species, focusing on preventing further introduction, containing mussels within currently infested waters and reducing population within the invaded range where feasible.

Key recommendations in the response framework include:

Containment and Prevention Measures
- Development of a map of Delta launch sites to prioritize management at high-use sites.
- Investigation of pathways of spread, such as watercraft and overland movement, aquaculture trade, etc.
- Increased inspection and decontamination capacity for watercraft, with expanded training for inspectors.
Education and Outreach
- Launch of education campaigns to inform the public about the golden mussel threat and how they can help prevent its spread.
- Posting of signage at waterbodies where golden mussels are present promoting the “Clean, Drain, Dry” practice following and ending every outing.
- Collaboration with businesses that provide watercraft cleaning services to promote industry standards.
Incentives and Partnerships
- Promotion of watercraft cleaning services within and around the Delta to assist in controlling the spread of the mussels.

The Golden Mussel Task Force will continue to collaborate to mitigate the impacts of this invasive species and protect the state’s water resources. The Golden Mussel Framework is a dynamic document, evolving with new information and adaptive management strategies.

For more information or to learn how you can help prevent the spread of golden mussel and report sightings visit: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Species/Golden-Mussel.

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Media Contacts:
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
Maggie Macias, DWR Public Affairs Office, (916) 902-7405
Adeline Yee, California State Parks, Newsroom@parks.ca.gov

California Fish and Game Commission Guards State Waters Against Golden Mussels, Extends Sturgeon Fishing Restrictions with Added Guidance

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 13:47:00 GMT

The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) acted on a variety of issues affecting California’s natural resources at its Dec.11-12 meeting in Sacramento, including emergency action to list the invasive golden mussel as a restricted species. The Commission also acted to extend emergency regulations 90 days for the recreational catch-and-release white sturgeon season and added language for permitted catch handling. The public was able to participate in the meeting in person, via webinar and by phone.

To protect California against the spread of invasive golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) discovered Oct. 17 at the Port of Stockton, and in the days following as far south as San Luis Reservoir’s O'Neill Forebay, the Commission added golden mussel to the list of species restricted from live importation, transportation and possession. This discovery is North America’s first; golden mussel is native to China and Southeast Asia and was likely transported across the ocean on large ships.

“Golden mussels are a bigger threat to California waters than quagga and zebra mussels because they can thrive in a wider range of water quality conditions,” said Jay Rowan, Chief of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Fisheries Branch. “Putting golden mussels on the restricted species list is an important first step toward containment and prevention of spread of this non-native species.”

The emergency listing will reduce the potential for people to introduce the bivalves to other waters of the state. The species poses an immediate threat to the ecological health of the Delta and all waters of the state, water conveyance systems, infrastructure and water quality. The Commission’s action makes it illegal to be in possession or transport golden mussels in California.

A 90-day extension of emergency regulations for the recreational take of white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) was adopted by the Commission.

In June, white sturgeon was named a candidate species to be considered for protection under the California Endangered Species Act. Following that action, on Oct. 1 the fishery was limited to sport catch-and-release fishing through an emergency regulation that was set to expire March 5, 2025.

Continuing the catch-and-release fishery for white sturgeon is necessary to provide an important recreational opportunity for anglers and to mitigate adverse economic impacts to businesses that rely on the fishery, until a permanent regulation is implemented.

Language was also added to the regulations regarding proper handling of white sturgeon. More information on CDFW’s white sturgeon catch-and-release best practices can be viewed online.

During the Commission meeting, CDFW honored Wildlife Officer Laura Decker as Wildlife Officer of the Year for 2023. The Commission recognized and thanked Wildlife Officer Decker, accompanied by her K-9 partner Maverick, for her dedication and contributions to CDFW’s Law Enforcement Division.

Serving as a wildlife officer since 2018, Decker’s patrols have taken her up and down the coastline of California assisting other wildlife officers in need. Decker was also commended for her abilities as a trainer of other wildlife officers, passing on her expertise in everything from field response to first-aid treatment that can be life saving for officers working in remote locations.

“In the short time on patrol, Decker became relied upon as an exceptionally dedicated officer, investigator and a true asset to CDFW,” said CDFW Chief of Law Enforcement Nathaniel Arnold.

The Commission approved a major amendment request to expand an experimental fishing permit (EFP) testing pop-up gear in the California Dungeness crab and hagfish fisheries. The EFP aims to minimize whale entanglements in these commercial fisheries.

As recommended by the Commission’s Marine Resources Committee, the Commission also granted 12 actions for marine protected area (MPA) regulation changes that will be considered by the Commission in a future rulemaking and seven non-regulatory requests related to color-coding different types of MPAs. Color-coded MPA maps help the public identify and understand differences in regulations.

Commission President Samantha Murray, Vice President Erika Zavaleta and commissioners Jacque Hostler-Carmesin, Eric Sklar and Darius Anderson participated in person, with Commission and department staff present throughout the meeting. Commissioners Sklar and Anderson were not in attendance for the second day of the meeting.

The agenda for this meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the Commission website. Archived video of past Commission meetings is available online. The next California Fish and Game Commission meeting is scheduled to occur in Sacramento Feb. 12-13, 2025. Participants can attend via Zoom, phone or in person at the Natural Resources Headquarters Building’s auditorium, 715 P St., Sacramento.

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Media Contacts:
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
Katie Talbot, CDFW Communications, (916) 204-1381

Invasive Non-Native Golden Mussel Discovered in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:12:56 GMT

Golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei), an invasive, non-native freshwater bivalve, was recently discovered in the Port of Stockton by California Department of Water Resources staff while conducting routine operations. Suspected golden mussels have also been identified at O’Neill Forebay in Merced County and are currently undergoing genetic testing for confirmation.

This discovery is the first known occurrence of golden mussels in North America. The species poses a significant immediate threat to the ecological health of the Delta and all waters of the state, water conveyance systems, infrastructure and water quality.

In waterways where this species is present, heavy encrustations of golden mussels have blocked municipal and industrial water intakes, necessitated ongoing biofouling removal, harmed native species in the ecosystem, increased water clarity due to intense filter feeding, and diminished water quality.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), California State Parks, California Department of Water Resources (DWR), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and other state, federal, and local agencies regularly coordinate through the Aquatic Invasive Species program. This partnership aims to limit the spread of invasive species in California’s waterways, which cause damage to native species and the ecosystems they need to survive.

Golden mussels were likely introduced to California by a ship traveling from an international port. They are likely to spread throughout the Delta and through the water conveyance systems associated with it. Without containment, golden mussels are likely to spread to other freshwater bodies in California, and to other ports and inland waters of North America, and abroad.

Following the initial discovery of golden mussels in the Port of Stockton, observations of additional mussels have been made on monitoring equipment downstream. Species confirmation is pending for these organisms. Golden mussels are similar in appearance, biology, and impacts to quagga and zebra mussels and are a continued priority for prevention and containment in inland waters of Southern California and across the state.

Golden mussels are native to rivers and creeks of China and Southeast Asia. They are known to be established outside of their native range in Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina. The initial introductions to these countries were also likely the result of ships from biofouling on the hulls and/or ballast water release. In most cases, the invaded range has expanded upstream from the point of introduction and inland from ports through local, human-mediated pathways. Within the invaded range significant impacts are widely documented resulting from the dense colonization of golden mussels on hard surfaces.

The California Natural Resources Agency and its partners call upon everyone working and recreating in waters of the state to clean, drain and dry watercraft and equipment every time it is removed from a waterbody. This simple measure has served to prevent spreading quagga and zebra mussels and is equally effective in stopping the overland spread of golden mussels. DWR is now conducting boat inspections at O’Neill Forebay in an effort to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species.

CDFW is continuing to work with state, local, and federal agencies to enhance monitoring efforts, communicate additional detection and response information, and coordinate on potential next steps. Please report organisms observed in California suspected to be golden mussels to CDFW’s Invasive Species Program. Include the specific location of the observation, and at least one clear close-up photograph of the organism, and your contact information. Submit reports via one of the following options:

Online at wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Report
Via email to invasives@wildlife.ca.gov
Via telephone to (866) 440-9530

To prevent the spread of invasive mussels, be sure to clean, drain and dry your boats. Learn more at California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways page, https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/StopQZ.

Photos courtesy of the Department of Water Resources

Media Contacts:
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714
Adeline Yee, California State Parks, Newsroom@parks.ca.gov
Maggie Macias, California Department of Water Resources, media@water.ca.gov