CDFW Newshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/NewsCDFW Introduces License Application for Mobile Deviceshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-introduces-license-application-for-mobile-devicesTechnologyWed, 20 Mar 2024 11:08:14 GMTCDFW launches License App for mobile devices.<p><em>Media Note: A link to download fishing and mobile app </em><strong>video </strong><em>is available at the bottom of the page.</em></p> <p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is pleased to announce the launch of the CDFW License App for mobile devices.</p> <p>The new application allows residents and nonresidents to display California sport fishing licenses and validations on their mobile phones and other mobile devices in lieu of a physical license.</p> <p>Users may also download and view various CDFW online resources, including hunting and fishing regulations booklets, the Fish Planting Schedule and access the Online License Sales and Services website.</p> <p>Users can download the application on their mobile devices through the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cdfw-license/id6450827501">Apple App Store</a> or <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aspiraconnect.hf.ca&pcampaignid=web_share&pli=1">Google Play Store</a> or by accessing the direct download links from <a href="/LicenseApp">CDFW’s License App web page</a>.</p> <p>Following the successful rollout of the CDFW License App, hunting licenses and related hunting validations will be added to the mobile display options as early as mid-2024.</p> <p>“We sometimes think progress moves too slowly, but the Department of Fish and Wildlife has moved full-speed ahead in making fishing licenses valid for 365 days and has modernized the licensing process by going digital,” said Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg), author of the original legislation, Assembly Bill (AB) 817, responsible for the change to a 365-day license and mobile licensing display. “I couldn’t ask for a better partner in implementing this new process. I look forward to CDFW’s goal of growing its digital footprint in other licensing areas.”</p> <p>Wood’s AB 817, introduced in 2021, was widely embraced throughout the fishing community by national and statewide Recruit, Retain, Reactivate (R3) advocates, conservation organizations and CDFW.</p> <p>The Coastal Conservation Association of California (CCA CAL), which works to protect the interests of recreational saltwater anglers and healthy marine habitats, also supported the legislation.</p> <p>“The CDFW License App represents the culmination of efforts that will benefit license holders for many years,” said Wayne Kotow, executive director of CCA CAL.</p> <p>Nathaniel Arnold, acting chief of CDFW’s Law Enforcement Division, said, “Wildlife officers expect the app will provide additional opportunities for the angling public to have their licenses conveniently in possession when checked.”</p> <p>The rollout of the CDFW Licensing App aligns with the goals of CDFW’s R3 initiative to transform hunting and fishing barriers into opportunities. This app will allow California anglers to easily obtain, access and display their sport fishing licenses on their mobile devices, providing a convenient and paperless solution that promotes responsible fishing practices, ensures compliance with regulations, and enhances overall fishing experiences for individuals in both urban and remote areas.</p> <p>More information about the app and Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the <a href="/LicenseApp">CDFW’s License App web page</a>, which includes video tutorials covering the app’s various functionalities.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@wildlife.ca.gov">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858<br /> <a href="mailto:Taylor.Williams@wildlife.ca.gov">Taylor Williams</a>, CDFW Hunter/Angler R3 Manager, (916) 203-1362</em></p> <p>Mobile app and fishing video is available for download from the <a href="https://filelib.wildlife.ca.gov/Public/OCEO/Fishing%20B-Roll/">CDFW FTP site</a>.</p> Federal Council Announces California Ocean Salmon Season Alternativeshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/federal-council-announces-california-ocean-salmon-season-alternativesMarineWed, 13 Mar 2024 12:30:26 GMTThe Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has produced three options for ocean salmon seasons beginning May 16, 2024. Two of the three alternatives would authorize short ocean salmon season dates and establish small harvest limits for commercial and sport fishing off California in 2024. The third alternative would close the ocean fisheries off California for a second consecutive year.<p>The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has produced three options for ocean salmon seasons beginning May 16, 2024. Two of the three alternatives would authorize short ocean salmon season dates and establish small harvest limits for commercial and sport fishing off California in 2024. The third alternative would close the ocean fisheries off California for a second consecutive year. The alternatives were approved by the PFMC for public review Monday.</p> <p><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></p> <p>In response to several years of drought over the past decade, key California salmon target stocks are forecast to have 2024 abundance levels that, while higher than last year, are well below average. The 2024 stock abundance forecast for Sacramento River Fall Chinook, which is often the most abundant stock in the ocean fishery, is 213,600 adults. Meanwhile, abundance of Klamath River Fall Chinook is forecast at 180,700 adults. At this level of abundance, the <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcouncil.org%2Fdocuments%2F2022%2F12%2Fpacific-coast-salmon-fmp.pdf%2F&data=05%7C02%7CPeter.Tira%40Wildlife.ca.gov%7C235b02f557924028a28a08dc438e29bd%7C4b633c25efbf40069f1507442ba7aa0b%7C0%7C0%7C638459525180722181%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dxMzWTU3mH%2BD3HbqoXC96AO70%2Fnctraf8axEdpfbvDE%3D&reserved=0">Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan</a> authorizes only low levels of fishing on these stocks, and requires management be designed to allow most of the adult population to return to the river to spawn.</p> <p><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></p> <p>Commercial fishing alternatives propose a limited number of small quota fisheries, and would require vessel-based weekly trip limits that would apply in each open period. In-season action would be taken to close remaining season dates if total catch is expected to reach the harvest limit.</p> <p><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></p> <p>Recreational fishing alternatives would authorize up to seven short open fishing periods ranging from four to six days in length beginning in June and running through October. Scheduled dates would not be guaranteed and would be subject to two different statewide harvest guidelines. If the total sport catch reaches the limit prior to September, remaining dates prior to September would be canceled. Similarly, if total sport catch reaches the limit for dates scheduled in the months of September and October, remaining dates would be canceled.</p> <p><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></p> <p>In-season management and harvest limits are new concepts in management of commercial and recreational ocean salmon fisheries off California. Given the low abundance forecasts and spawner returns in recent years, it is crucial that any limited salmon fishing ultimately authorized be managed to ensure most of the fish return to the river this fall. Use of these strategies in 2024 ocean fisheries is expected to keep catches within pre-season projections.</p> <p><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></p> <p>On recommendation from California and Oregon agency representatives and industry advisors, the National Marine Fisheries Service took <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Faccounts%2FUSNOAAFISHERIES%2Fbulletins%2F38ffa17&data=05%7C02%7CPeter.Tira%40Wildlife.ca.gov%7C235b02f557924028a28a08dc438e29bd%7C4b633c25efbf40069f1507442ba7aa0b%7C0%7C0%7C638459525180733243%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jnnBsHzgHkXjDfymwriHrQ4Mr2NzZWvCHcRVBbpNOY0%3D&reserved=0">in-season action</a> to cancel ocean salmon fishery openers that were scheduled between Cape Falcon, Oregon and the U.S./Mexico border that were scheduled to open prior to May 16, 2024. The sport fishery off much of California had been set to open in early April. Season dates and regulations may be found on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife web page at <a href="http://www.wildlife.ca.gov/oceansalmon">www.wildlife.ca.gov/oceansalmon</a>.</p> <p><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></p> <p>On March 25, 2024, the PFMC will hold a public hearing in Santa Rosa to receive public comment on the three proposed regulatory alternatives. The PFMC will then meet April 5-11 in Seattle, Washington to adopt final regulations for the season. More information on the three alternatives can be found at this <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcouncil.org%2Fdocuments%2F2024%2F03%2Fpacific-fishery-management-council-releases-alternatives-for-2024-west-coast-salmon-fisheries-updated-march-11-2024.pdf%2F&data=05%7C02%7CPeter.Tira%40Wildlife.ca.gov%7C235b02f557924028a28a08dc438e29bd%7C4b633c25efbf40069f1507442ba7aa0b%7C0%7C0%7C638459525180743269%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=EKu6F%2Fdgi2ArWgUpz5of7jeBtg%2F5zuKJ4Taq2A7Nk78%3D&reserved=0">link</a> or see <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcouncil.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7CPeter.Tira%40Wildlife.ca.gov%7C235b02f557924028a28a08dc438e29bd%7C4b633c25efbf40069f1507442ba7aa0b%7C0%7C0%7C638459525180751997%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0iDPOFSpIQ1qkIjqwoE3vc9R599tTQ38Y34l7a1wOtQ%3D&reserved=0">Pacific Fishery Management Council (pcouncil.org)</a> for information regarding PFMC meetings and public comment opportunities.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Steve.Gonzalez@wildlife.ca.gov">Steve Gonzalez</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714<br /> <a href="mailto:Chester.Lindley@wildlife.ca.gov">Chester Lindley</a>, CDFW Marine Region (707) 951-4083</em></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></span></span></span></p> George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar Education Fund Awards Grants to Four Programs in Californiahttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/george-hw-bush-vamos-a-pescar-education-fund-awards-grants-to-four-programs-in-californiaR3Tue, 12 Mar 2024 13:42:56 GMTThe Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and CDFW announced the 2024 grantees for the George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar Education Fund. Approximately $172,800 in funding will help 12 programs in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas and Rhode Island to bring fishing, boating and aquatic stewardship education opportunities to Hispanic families.<p>The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced the 2024 grantees for the <a href="https://www.takemefishing.org/educationfund/" target="_blank">George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar Education Fund</a>. Approximately $172,800 in funding will help 12 programs in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas and Rhode Island to bring fishing, boating and aquatic stewardship education opportunities to Hispanic families. Four California organizations were selected as recipients and will receive a total of $76,346.30 in funding. The 2024 California Vamos A Pescar Education Fund recipients are: <a href="https://casthope.org/" target="_blank">Cast Hope</a>, <a href="https://www.friendsoffish.org/" target="_blank">Friends of Fish</a>, <a href="https://www.reelguppyoutdoors.com/" target="_blank">Reel Guppy Outdoors</a> and <a href="https://www.solidaritynpo.org/" target="_blank">Solidarity.</a></p> <p>The California organizations chosen for funding provide urban-centric, mutigenerational inclusive events open to families of all races and ethnicities with Spanish-English bilingual instruction, materials and outreach. The grantees focus on providing multiple opportunities to introduce participants to fishing, boating and aquatic stewardship in California. This grant program is part of CDFW’s ongoing angler recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) efforts to decrease barriers to participation and increase awareness and support for conservation activities across the state.</p> <p>The funding for Vamos a Pescar is made available from the George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar Education Fund and <a href="https://www.fws.gov/program/sport-fish-restoration" target="_blank">Sport Fish Restoration Act</a> (SFRA) funds.</p> <p>The George H.W. Bush Education Fund supports the RBFF’s Hispanic initiative, Vamos a Pescar. To further the reach and facilitate partnerships at the local level, funds are provided for state agencies to match and sub grant to local 501(c)(3) organizations. With the help of donations from companies and organizations, this fund has continued to grow and expand nationally to keep future generations educated about the joys of fishing and boating and the importance of conservation.</p> <p>SFRA is a self-imposed angler and boater excise tax that provides funding to state fish and wildlife agencies. Modeled after the Wildlife Restoration Act, a need for dedicated permanent funding was identified for fishery conservation and the SFRA was established. The excise tax is placed on sport fishing equipment, import duties on fishing tackle and boats and a portion of gasoline fuel tax from small engines and boats. The funding provided is utilized in fishery projects, boating access, aquatic education and more, all aiming to connect people with outdoor recreational angling opportunities and aquatic education programs.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Taylor.williams@wildlife.ca.gov" target="_blank">Taylor Williams</a>, CDFW R3 Manager, (916) 203-1362</em></p> Fall-Run Chinook Salmon Fry Succumb to Gas Bubble Disease in Klamath Riverhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/fall-run-chinook-salmon-fry-succumb-to-gas-bubble-disease-in-klamath-riverSalmonSat, 02 Mar 2024 11:45:19 GMTCDFW announced today that fall-run Chinook salmon fry released for the first time from its Fall Creek Fish Hatchery in Siskiyou County are presumed to have succumbed to gas bubble disease in the Klamath River.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced today that fall-run Chinook salmon fry released for the first time from its Fall Creek Fish Hatchery in Siskiyou County are presumed to have succumbed to gas bubble disease in the Klamath River.</p> <p>On Monday, Feb. 26, CDFW released approximately 830,000 fall-run Chinook salmon fry into Fall Creek, a tributary of the Klamath River above Iron Gate Dam. The fish were hatched at CDFW’s new, $35 million, state-of-the-art Fall Creek Fish Hatchery, which represents California’s long-term commitment to supporting and restoring both Chinook and coho salmon runs on an undammed Klamath River.</p> <p>The salmon fry experienced a large mortality based on monitoring data downstream. Indications are the cause of mortality is gas bubble disease that likely occurred as the fry migrated though the Iron Gate Dam tunnel, old infrastructure that is targeted for removal along with the Iron Gate Dam itself later this year. Gas bubble disease results from environmental or physical trauma often associated with severe pressure change.</p> <p>There is no indication the mortality is associated with other Klamath River water quality conditions such as turbidity and dissolved oxygen, which were reading at suitable levels on Feb. 26 and the days prior to release. The visual appearance of the dead fry detected by monitoring equipment points to gas bubble disease. Monitoring equipment documented other healthy yearling coho and Chinook salmon that came from downstream of the dam. </p> <p>The problems associated with the Iron Gate Dam tunnel are temporary and yet another sad reminder of how the Klamath River dams have harmed salmon runs for generations. CDFW will plan all future salmon releases below Iron Gate Dam until this infrastructure is removed. Poor habitat conditions caused by the dams and other circumstances such as this are reasons why CDFW conducts releases of hatchery fish at various life stages.</p> <p>CDFW’s Fall Creek Fish Hatchery continues to hold approximately 3.27 million healthy, fall-run Chinook salmon. Additional releases are planned later in the month.</p> <p>The annual fall-run Chinook salmon production goal for the hatchery is to raise and release 3.25 million fish – 1.25 million released as fry, 1.75 million as smolts, and 250,000 as yearlings. The additional stock of fall-run Chinook salmon remaining in the hatchery exceeds the annual production goal and will help offset losses experienced with the initial release of fry.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Jordan.Traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso,</a> CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352<br /> <a href="mailto:Jason.Roberts@wildlife.ca.gov">Jason Roberts</a>, CDFW Northern Region, (530) 526-2168</em></p> California Fish and Game Commission Holds Hybrid Meetinghttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/california-fish-and-game-commission-holds-hybrid-meeting10Klamath BasinTue, 20 Feb 2024 07:43:52 GMTAt its February meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission acted on several issues affecting California’s natural resources. The following are just a few items of interest from this month’s meeting held in Sacramento, with an option for the public to join via Zoom.<p>At its February meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission acted on several issues affecting California’s natural resources. The following are just a few items of interest from this month’s meeting held in Sacramento, with an option for the public to join via Zoom.</p> <p>The Commission elected Commissioner Samantha Murray as president and re-elected Commissioner Erika Zavaleta as vice president, marking the second time in its history that Commission leadership is two women; the first time was in 2022 when Murray and Zavaleta served in the same roles.</p> <p>Commissioners accepted Committee assignments. Commissioners Eric Sklar and Murray will co-chair the Marine Resources Committee. Commissioners Zavaleta and Darius Anderson will co-chair the Wildlife Resources Committee. Commissioners Jacque Hostler-Carmesin and Anderson will co-chair the Tribal Committee.</p> <p>The Commission unanimously voted to reduce the bag and possession limit for California halibut to two fish north of Point Sur.</p> <p>The Commission unanimously voted to extend the unlimited recreational take of purple sea urchins at Caspar Cove, Mendocino County to continue to gather data and assess the efficacy of community-led kelp restoration efforts at this location.</p> <p>The Commission unanimously voted to approve an experimental fishing permit (EFP) to test alternative gear in the commercial Dungeness crab fishery and approved several modifications to an existing EFP to test alternative fishing gear in the California commercial Dungeness crab and hagfish fisheries.</p> <p>The Commission unanimously voted to notify interested parties of its intent to amend Klamath River Basin sport fishing regulations related to fall-run Chinook salmon.</p> <p>The Commission unanimously voted to adopt amendments to regulations for lands owned or managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The numerous new site-specific regulations improve public safety, increase recreational opportunities, and provide resource protection. Additionally, two properties were designated (one as a wildlife area and the other as an ecological reserve) and a new regulation was created to prohibit the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on CDFW lands.</p> <p>The Commission received one-year status review reports on the petitions to list Mohave desert tortoise and southern California steelhead under the California Endangered Species Act. The Commission will consider whether to list each species at its April meeting.</p> <p>Commission Vice President Erika Zavaleta and commissioners Eric Sklar and Darius Anderson were present for the full meeting. This was Anderson’s first meeting. Commission President Samantha Murray was present on the first day and part of the second day. Commissioner Jacque Hostler-Carmesin was present on the second day.</p> <p>The agenda for this meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the <a href="https://fgc.ca.gov/Meetings/2023" target= "_blank">Commission website</a>. Archived <a href="https://cal-span.org/search/?q=fish+and+game+commission" target="_blank">video of past Commission meetings</a> is available online. The full Commission has a teleconference scheduled for March 26, 2024. The next meeting is scheduled for April 17-18, 2024, in San Jose.</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:jordan.traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352</em></p> <p><em>The California Fish and Game Commission was one of the first wildlife conservation agencies in the United States, predating even the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries. There is often confusion about the distinction between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Commission. In the most basic terms, CDFW implements and enforces the regulations set by the Commission, as well as provides biological data and expertise to inform the Commission’s decision-making process.</em></p>