CDFW Newshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/NewsCDFW Busts Poaching Ring in Unlawful Fish Sales Casehttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-busts-poaching-ring-in-unlawful-fish-sales-caseLaw EnforcementWed, 20 Mar 2024 11:26:07 GMTCDFW law enforcement uncovered a network of recreational fishermen engaged in commercial fishing businesses with no regard to limits, documentation or adhering to the highly regulated business practices of the commercial fishing industry.<p>California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) law enforcement uncovered a network of recreational fishermen engaged in commercial fishing businesses with no regard to limits, documentation or adhering to the highly regulated business practices of the commercial fishing industry. The investigation revealed more than 5,500 pounds of fish were unlawfully bought and sold for more than $26,000.</p> <p>Wildlife officers investigated David Haworth, 60, of San Diego, and Nicholas Haworth, 28, of La Jolla, who were buying and selling recreationally caught fish, failing to land fish (documenting the fish once it reaches land), facilitating the operation of an unlicensed fish business and falsifying landing documents to hide their poaching crimes.</p> <p>CDFW officers spent more than six months on the investigation revealing evidence that the Haworths were illegally buying, and re-selling recreationally caught fish through associations with a network of recreational fishermen.</p> <p>Wildlife officers obtained evidence that Lucas Dirkse, 29, of San Diego, Mitchell Bradford, 36, of San Diego, Brandon Demelo, 24, of San Diego, Tanner Whitmarsh, 30, of El Cajon, Trevor Whitmarsh, 25, of El Cajon and David Brown, 68, of San Diego, were selling fish to the Haworths. By selling fish to the Haworths, participants engaged in numerous illegal fishing activities including failure to register as a commercial fishing vessel, failing to obtain required permits through the federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, selling fish caught on a commercial passenger fishing vessel and falsifying documents among many more violations.</p> <p>“Letting these crimes continue without robust enforcement and prosecution jeopardizes the sustainability of California’s commercial fishing industry and the majority of those commercial fishers who comply with the law,” said Nathaniel Arnold, acting chief of CDFW’s Law Enforcement Division. “Illegal sales of recreationally caught fish bypasses both paths for sampling and accounting of total catch.”</p> <ul> <li>Nicholas Haworth pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful sale of recreationally caught fish, agreeing to community service and a $10,000 fine.</li> <li>David Haworth received court-ordered diversion for unlawful sale of recreationally caught fish and agreed to community service and agreed to host six events feeding fish meals to the homeless through the local food bank.</li> <li>Mitchell Bradford pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful sale of recreationally caught fish, agreeing to community service and a $5,000 fine.</li> <li>Lucas Dirkse pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful sale of recreationally caught fish, agreeing to community service and a $5,000 fine.</li> <li>Brandon Demelo pleaded guilty to unlawful sale of recreationally caught fish, agreeing to community service and a $5,000 fine.</li> <li>Tanner and Trevor Whitmarsh were charged civilly for unfair business practices and agreed to a fine of $60,000 each.</li> <li>David Brown failed to appear at his arraignment and has an active warrant for his arrest.</li> </ul> <p>“Many of us live in San Diego because we appreciate the region’s natural wonders, including the fish that populate our rivers and oceans,” said San Diego City Attorney Mara W. Elliott. “California’s strict environmental laws exist for one reason: to protect nature and to ensure its existence for generations to come. Our ability to enjoy the outdoors depends on vigorous enforcement and prosecution of the laws that preserve our surroundings.”</p> <p>California fisheries biologists and their federal partners manage the recreational and commercial fishing sectors separately, and each has individual rules and regulations to ensure the harvest of marine species is sustainable. Many fish stocks have strict quotas, limiting total commercial catch and restricting recreational catches. Both state and federal scientists collect biological data for landed fish, which feeds into abundance estimates, international negotiations, and domestic management. Commercial catches are carefully weighed and reported when taken off the boat to account for the amount removed from the fish populations. Estimates of recreational catch are also reported, sampled at launch areas, and used in stock assessments and management.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Patrick.Foy@wildlife.ca.gov">Capt. Patrick Foy</a>, CDFW Law Enforcement, (916) 508-7095</em></p> CDFW 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> Santa Barbara Commercial Lobster Fisherman Convicted for Abandoning Trapshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/santa-barbara-commercial-lobster-fisherman-convicted-for-abandoning-trapsLaw EnforcementTue, 05 Mar 2024 13:54:40 GMTCDFW has announced the successful prosecution and conviction of a Santa Barbara commercial lobster fisherman on a multitude of commercial lobster fishing violations.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced the successful prosecution and conviction of a Santa Barbara commercial lobster fisherman on a multitude of commercial lobster fishing violations.</p> <p>Christopher Miller, 67, of Los Alamos, was recently convicted in Santa Barbara Superior Court. Miller pled guilty to falsifying commercial fishing records, harvesting lobster out of season, then abandoning at least 156 commercial lobster traps around Santa Cruz Island and the Santa Barbara Harbor. It was Miller’s third commercial lobster poaching conviction since 2014.</p> <p>After closure of the 2021-22 commercial lobster season, and after being ordered to remove his lobster traps by CDFW wildlife officers, Miller failed to retrieve any of his traps from state waters. Abandoned trap gear is a significant and detrimental hazard to California’s valuable marine resources.</p> <p>Having been abandoned, Miller’s lobster traps continued to capture marine wildlife that was unable to escape or be released, which would have otherwise happened during required removal and servicing. Fish and lobster in Miller’s traps continued to die from no longer being able to forage or hunt for food, then served as attractants for other fish and wildlife that became trapped, perpetuating the cycle. Abandoned gear has the potential to increase the likelihood of entanglement with marine wildlife and can even be a hazard to human safety and navigation. Miller ultimately pled guilty to the violations and was ordered to pay $19,340 in restitution.</p> <p>“The vast majority of California’s commercial lobster fishers abide by the law and provide Californians with sustainable, high quality locally harvested seafood,” said Nathaniel Arnold, Acting Chief of the CDFW Law Enforcement Division. “Abandoning 156 lobster traps and ignoring other commercial lobster fishing regulations adds up to a significant detrimental impact on the fishery and will always be a high priority investigation for our wildlife officers.”</p> <p>CDFW’s Law Enforcement patrol boat crews worked tirelessly for months to remove the abandoned traps throughout the investigation. Due to the overwhelming amount of gear, the California Lost Fishing Gear Recovery Project, a nongovernmental organization funded through the California Coastal Commission, assisted CDFW Law Enforcement with removal of the derelict gear.</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> CDFW Seeks Public Input on California’s Recreational Pacific Halibut Fisheryhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-seeks-public-input-on-californias-recreational-pacific-halibut-fisheryFishingWed, 14 Feb 2024 13:47:57 GMTCalifornia stakeholders are invited to submit angler preferences for open fishing dates for the 2024 recreational Pacific halibut season via an online survey.<p>California stakeholders are invited to submit angler preferences for open fishing dates for the 2024 recreational Pacific halibut season via an online survey. Survey results will be used to develop the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) recommendations to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for the 2024 season. The survey should take approximately two minutes to complete and will remain open until midnight on February 21, 2024, and can be found online: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KPDDVQP" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KPDDVQP</a>.</p> <p>Per NMFS’ proposed <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/02/09/2024-02220/pacific-halibut-fisheries-of-the-west-coast-2024-catch-sharing-plan-and-recreational-fishery" target="_blank">2024 Catch Sharing Plan</a>, California recreational fisheries will be allocated 38,220 net pounds, with 500 pounds set aside for the area south of Point Arena.</p> <p>Season dates, daily bag and possession limits and gear restrictions that apply to recreational Pacific halibut fishing off California will continue to be specified in Title 14, Section 28.20.</p> <p>For more information on the Pacific halibut fishery in California, visit CDFW’s <a href="https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/Pacific-Halibut">Pacific Halibut web page.</a></p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Melanie.Parker@wildlife.ca.gov">Melanie Parker</a>, CDFW Marine Region, (831) 601-5928<br /> <a href="mailto:Jordan.Traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352</em></p> CDFW to Meet with Public, Talk about Hunting and Fishing Resources at 2024 Sport Showshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-to-meet-with-public-talk-about-hunting-and-fishing-resources-at-2024-sport-showsWaterfowlTue, 16 Jan 2024 15:48:34 GMTCDFW is returning to the annual International Sportsmen’s Expo (ISE), Bart Hall and Cal Shows for 2024.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is returning to the annual International Sportsmen’s Expo (ISE), Bart Hall and Cal Shows for 2024. Wildlife officers, fisheries, marine and wildlife scientists, along with other CDFW staff will be available during the shows to answer questions and provide information regarding fishing, hunting and employment opportunities throughout the state.</p> <p>“Participating in this type of outreach and engaging with the public are important to our mission,” said Jen Benedet, Assistant Deputy Director of CDFW Outreach. “Sharing information about CDFW, our programs, and thanking hunters and anglers for their contribution to wildlife and fisheries management and conservation is key to being successful in our efforts and as a department.”</p> <p>CDFW’s sport show appearances will begin at ISE Jan. 18-21 at the Cal Expo Fair Grounds in Sacramento. The Long Beach Bart Hall Show will follow from Jan. 25-28 at the Long Beach Convention Center. The Del Mar Bart Hall Show is Feb. 15-18 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar (San Diego County) and the Cal Shows Central Valley Sportsmen’s Boat & RV Show will be Mar. 15-17 at the Kern County Fairgrounds in Bakersfield.</p> <p>New for 2024, all CDFW programs will be in one convenient location in the shows’ main buildings. At ISE, CDFW can be found along the front, right wall when you enter the Pavilion. For Bart Hall shows, CDFW will be in the main area of the Convention Center in Long Beach and in the main Exhibit Hall at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. For the Cal Show they will be in Building Two at the Kern County Fairgrounds in Bakersfield. CDFW plans to have their wildlife officers on hand to help answer any hunting or regulation questions, with occasional appearances by their K-9 partners. Fisheries and Marine staff will be present to answer questions about angling and conservation opportunities. CDFW’s Talent and Acquisitions Unit will be available to discuss various recruitment and employment opportunities, while the Fishing in the City program and Hunter Education will be onsite educating attendees on the fish stocking program and hunter safety.</p> <p>Also new this year, CDFW staff will have tablets to assist the public in setting up their own CDFW Online License Portal account to purchase their hunting and fishing license from anywhere with an internet connection. Staff can also assist those who are interested in learning how to navigate various CDFW online resources. Some of these resources include the Marine Species Portal, the hunter and angler Recruit, Retain, Reactivate (R3) how-to videos and resources, where to sign up for virtual and in person hunting and fishing events, and more. On demand printed licenses will not be available at the 2024 shows.</p> <p>For more information on the ISE show, please visit <a href="https://www.sportsexpos.com/attend/sacramento/" target="_blank">www.sportsexpos.com/attend/sacramento</a>. For Bart Hall shows, please visit <a href="https://hallshows.com/home" target="_blank">hallshows.com/home</a>. For more information on the Bakersfield show, please visit <a href="https://www.calshows.com/" target="_blank">www.calshows.com</a>. </p> <p>See you there!</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:leticia.palamidessi@wildlife.ca.gov">Leticia Palamidessi</a> CDFW Communications, (916) 708-8517</em></p> CDFW Opens Commercial Dungeness Crab Fishery in the Central Management Area Under Trap Reduction and Lifts Recreational Crab Trap Restrictionhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-opens-commercial-dungeness-crab-fishery-in-the-central-management-area-under-trap-reduction-and-lifts-recreational-crab-trap-restrictionMarineThu, 11 Jan 2024 13:54:35 GMTThe California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will open the commercial Dungeness crab fishery from the Sonoma/Mendocino county line to the U.S./Mexico border (Central Management Area: Fishing Zones 3-6) under a 50 percent trap reduction beginning Jan. 18, 2024, at 12:01 a.m. with a 64-hour pre-soak to begin on Jan. 15, 2024, at 8 a.m.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will open the commercial Dungeness crab fishery from the Sonoma/Mendocino county line to the U.S./Mexico border (Central Management Area: Fishing Zones 3-6) under a 50 percent trap reduction beginning Jan. 18, 2024, at 12:01 a.m. with a 64-hour pre-soak to begin on Jan. 15, 2024, at 8 a.m. This management decision is a balanced approach that achieves two outcomes. First, this trap reduction will help reduce entanglement risk for humpback whales by reducing the amount of gear and vertical lines in the water. Second, the decision gets the commercial fishery open statewide.</p> <p>This management decision includes exhaustive coordination with affected fishers, businesses and environmental organizations. CDFW reached this decision after seeking feedback and input from the California Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group, during a meeting on Jan. 10, 2024. The working group expressed broad support for this management decision.</p> <p>Any commercial Dungeness crab vessel fishing in or transiting Fishing Zones 3-6, regardless of fishing location is subject to the 50 percent reduction. Additionally, they must have at least 50 percent of their valid buoy tags for the current fishing season onboard and available for inspection by CDFW at all times. Commercial Dungeness crab vessels operating in Fishing Zones 3-6 must understand and comply with the restrictions by reviewing the <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=218635&inline" target="_blank">CDFW Declaration (PDF)</a>, which includes additional information about this gear reduction. The commercial fishery north of the Sonoma/Mendocino county line (Fishing Zones 1 and 2) opened on Jan. 5, 2024, under a fleet advisory and is not subject to any trap reductions.</p> <p>CDFW is also lifting the temporary recreational crab trap restriction, beginning Jan. 12, 2024, at 8 a.m., from the Sonoma/Mendocino county line to Lopez Point, Monterey County (Fishing Zones 3 and 4). A fleet advisory remains in effect for both the commercial and recreational fishery for all Fishing Zones (1-6).</p> <p>“This has been an extremely challenging year for California’s commercial fishing industry,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “Today’s action in the Central Management Area strikes a balance. It protects whales and turtles, and it gets people on the water allowing our hardworking commercial fishing fleet to provide fresh sustainable crab to California residents.”</p> <p>CDFW encourages both the commercial and recreational crab fisheries to implement best practices, as described in the <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=216638&inline">Best Practices Guide</a> and avoid setting any fishing gear in areas were whales or sea turtles are present. <strong>In addition, the commercial fishery is encouraged to remain vigilant for lost or abandoned gear throughout the fishing season.</strong> Permitted commercial Dungeness crab vessels are <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=202545&inline">allowed to retrieve up to six derelict commercial Dungeness crab traps</a> per fishing trip <strong>pursuant to Section 132.2, Title 14, California Code of Regulations</strong>. Derelict fishing gear may also be reported through <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Enforcement/CalTIP">CalTIP</a>.</p> <p>CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment will take place in mid-February 2024. For more information related to the risk assessment process, please visit <a href="https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/Whale-Safe-Fisheries">CDFW’s Whale Safe Fisheries page</a>. For more information on the Dungeness crab fishery, please visit <a href="http://www.wildlife.ca.gov/crab">www.wildlife.ca.gov/crab</a>.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Ryan.Bartling@wildlife.ca.gov">Ryan Bartling</a>, CDFW Marine Region, (415) 238-2638<br /> <a href="mailto:Stephen.Gonzalez@wildlife.ca.gov">Stephen Gonzalez</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714</em></p> Vamos a Pescar Grant Applications Now Availablehttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/vamos-a-pescar-grant-applications-now-available1Fishing in the CityMon, 13 Nov 2023 08:47:17 GMTCDFW is now accepting applications for the Vamos A Pescar community grant program for fishing programs, classes and activities committed to educating and engaging diverse, multi-generational, bi/multi-lingual participants new to fishing, boating and aquatic stewardship in California.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is now accepting applications for the Vamos A Pescar community grant program for fishing programs, classes and activities committed to educating and engaging diverse, multi-generational, bi/multi-lingual participants new to fishing, boating and aquatic stewardship in California. The Vamos A Pescar 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, like fishing.</p> <p>To apply for funding, programs must be:</p> <ul> <li>Inclusive. Events must be open to families of all races and ethnicities with Spanish-English bilingual instruction, materials and outreach.</li> <li>Family focused. Participation across multiple generations and genders.</li> <li>Multiple opportunities. Focus should be placed on providing multiple fishing opportunities to the same participants.</li> <li>Stewardship. Programs should promote good stewardship toward California’s aquatic resources and include information on angler funded conservation projects, like those paid for by the Sport Fish Restoration Act.</li> <li>Measurable goals. Programs must include ways to measure goals and outcomes and incorporate lessons learned.</li> <li>An official 501(c)(3) organization.</li> </ul> <p>Vamos A Pescar is part of Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) Hispanic initiative which is supported by the <a href="https://www.takemefishing.org/educationfund/" target="_blank">George H. W. Bush Vamos A Pescar Education Fund</a>.<img alt="George H. W. Bush Vamos A Pescar Education Fund logo" src="/Portals/0/Images/OCEO/News/VamosLogo.jpg" style="width: 267px; height: 233px; float: right;" /> 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. CDFW utilizes funding from the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/program/sport-fish-restoration" target="_blank">Sport Fish Restoration Act</a> and their angler generated dollars to match RBFF’s contribution to California organizations chosen to carry out the mission and work of the Vamos A Pescar Grant Program.</p> <p>Interested organizations should review the <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=216794&inline" target="_blank">RBFF George H. W. Bush Vamos A Pescar Grant Guidelines (PDF)</a> and the <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=216796&inline" target="_blank">CDFW grant agreement template (PDF)</a> (left blank intentionally). To apply, interested organizations meeting the eligibility criteria can submit a grant proposal application following the format and guidelines provided in the <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=216795&inline" target="_blank">CDFW grant application document (PDF)</a> and a completed <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=216793">RBFF George H. W. Bush Vamos A Pescar application form (PDF Form)</a>. All grant proposal application documents should be sent via email to <a href="mailto:R3StatewideProgram@wildlife.ca.gov">R3StatewideProgram@wildlife.ca.gov</a> no later than 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 8, 2023.</p> <p>California proposal application documents will be ranked by CDFW and submitted to RBFF for national review by their advisory board. The advisory board will choose the final grant recipients by mid-Jan. 2024 and CDFW will notify California recipients by the end of January or shortly after. Final decisions on the program are subject to the availability of state matching funds.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Taylor.Williams@wildlife.ca.gov">Taylor Williams</a>, CDFW R3 Manager (916) 203-1362<br /> <a href="mailto:Jen.Benedet@wildlife.ca.gov">Jen Benedet</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 202-4465</em></p>