CDFW News

California Fish and Game Commission Approves Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan, Quino Checkerspot Butterfly CESA Candidacy and Increase in Fishing Opportunities for Recreational Groundfish

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:27:11 GMT

California Fish and Game Commission Approves Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan, Quino Checkerspot Butterfly CESA Candidacy and Increase in Fishing Opportunities for Recreational Groundfish

The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) has approved the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan, a living document that aims to conserve western Joshua trees pressured by habitat loss and a warming climate.

Other matters acted on by the Commission at its August 13-14 meeting include designating Quino checkerspot butterfly as a candidate species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA), and adopting emergency regulations to reopen recreational rockfish, cabezon, greenling and lingcod fisheries north of Point Conception.

Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan

The 2023 Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act requires the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to develop the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan in collaboration with the Commission, other government agencies, California Native American tribes and the public.

The act also calls for CDFW to include tribal co-management principles, provide for the relocation of western Joshua trees to tribal lands upon request, and incorporate traditional ecological knowledge.

“The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act is the first state law for an iconic species that expressly directs CDFW to create a conservation plan that includes co-management with California Native American tribes,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “I appreciate this part of the act as being powerful — CDFW welcomes this.”

The final, approved plan will be available on the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan website in coming weeks. Information can be found online about recent revisions to Western Joshua Tree Relocation Guidelines and Protocols, as well as western Joshua tree conservation.

“The conservation plan is a living document, which was reaffirmed today with the most recent updates to the permitting and relocation guidelines,” said Commission President Erika Zavaleta. “Holistically, we have to keep improving the plan, use its flexibility to solve problems around competing interests and implement lessons as they arise, with the broad goal of conserving western Joshua tree while respecting and supporting the needs of our tribal partners and desert communities.”

Quino Checkerspot Butterfly

The Quino checkerspot butterfly was designated by the Commission as a candidate for CESA listing. The species now proceeds to the status review stage of the CESA process and is protected during that time.

Quino checkerspot butterflies have been extirpated from 75% of their historic range in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties due to threats such as habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, pollution, agriculture and climate change.

White Sturgeon

The Commission adopted amendments to regulations for the recreational take of CESA candidate white sturgeon, as well as changes to reporting requirements.

Catch-and-release fishing for white sturgeon will continue to be available for anglers as previously established by emergency regulations that were set to expire in September 2025. The adopted amendments also change the sturgeon fishing report card from a calendar-year-based season (January 1 through December 31) to align with the sturgeon fishing season that runs from Oct. 1 through June 30. Anglers will be able to get a sturgeon report card at no fee for the October 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, season to help accommodate this change. Sturgeon report cards will be $7.50 starting with the 2026-27 season.

When submitting the proposed new regulations to the Commission, CDFW Fisheries Branch Chief Jay Rowan stated, “The best available science suggests that non-lethal take via a catch-and-release fishery will not harm the long-term viability of white sturgeon in California.”

Recent results from white sturgeon monitoring surveys by CDFW suggest the white sturgeon population has continued to decline. Reasons for the population decline include mortality from harmful algal blooms and poor river and Delta conditions.

Groundfish

The Commission adopted emergency regulations to reopen recreational rockfish, cabezon, greenling and lingcod fisheries to all depths north of Point Conception through the end of the calendar year. These emergency regulations, which also include a new sub-bag limit for canary rockfish, are expected to take effect in the next few weeks. To learn more about the adopted regulations, review the detailed press release.

Market Squid

The Commission approved proposed amendments to the Market Squid Fishery Management Plan (MSFMP).

The MSFMP was originally drafted over the course of five years and published in March 2005. In 2023, CDFW initiated a review process for the market squid fishery and convened a Squid Fishery Advisory Committee. The committee was charged with reviewing the fishery and advising CDFW on potential changes to improve California market squid fishery management. Many of the recommended changes are now amendments to the original MSFMP.

In a separate action, the Commission adopted regulatory amendments for the commercial take of market squid that implement new provisions of the revised MSFMP.

Additional Marine Topics

The Commission adopted a 90-day extension of emergency regulations related to the commercial take of coonstripe shrimp.

The Commission adopted regulatory amendments for recreational crab fishing gear. This includes a new commercial passenger fishing vessel (CPFV) trap validation that originated from a public request that will no longer require CPFV customers to purchase individual trap validations when fishing from CPFVs. The amendments also update the surface gear requirements for hoop nets (used north of Point Arguello, Santa Barbara County) to minimize the risk of whale entanglements.

Meeting Participation and Next Meeting

Commission President Erika Zavaleta and commissioners Jacque Hostler-Carmesin and Eric Sklar were in attendance for both days of the August Commission meeting held in Sacramento. Vice President Samantha Murray and Commissioner Darius Anderson were absent.

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 October 8-9 in 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:

Bull kelp harvest restrictions. A discussion and adoption hearing is scheduled for October 8-9 on temporary commercial bull kelp harvest restrictions along the north coast and closure of lease-only administrative kelp beds.

Recreational red abalone closure. A discussion hearing is scheduled for October 9-10 and an adoption hearing for December 11-12 on a 10-year extension of the red abalone recreational fishery closure.

Invasive mussels and green crab restricted species listing. An adoption hearing for a regular rulemaking is scheduled for October 8-9 to add the invasive, non-native golden mussel, pond mussel and axe-head mussel (among others), as well as green crab to the list of live animals restricted from importation, transportation and possession.

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Media Contacts:
Jen Benedet, Office of Communications, Education and Outreach, (916) 202-4465 
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120 

Scientific Surveys Show Continued Decline in White Sturgeon Population

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 16:11:28 GMT

Recent results from white sturgeon monitoring surveys by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) suggest the white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) population has continued to decline. CDFW fisheries biologists now estimate there are approximately 6,500 white sturgeon between 40-60 inches long in California — down sharply from the previous estimate of approximately 30,000 fish in that size range, based on the 2016-2021 survey average.

There may be many reasons for the downward trend, including mortality from harmful algal blooms, poaching, past sport fishing harvest and poor river and Delta conditions.

In 2024, CDFW implemented a new method for surveying the white sturgeon population in collaboration with the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission and local sturgeon fishing guides. Surveys take place in the spring and fall from San Pablo Bay to Rio Vista and surrounding areas. The methods are based off white sturgeon surveys conducted in Oregon and Washington and modified for use in California. The study design has been peer-reviewed and is the most robust and comprehensive white sturgeon population monitoring survey ever conducted in California.

While CDFW’s efforts in 2024 established a new baseline of data, multiple years of this new survey approach are needed to confirm the findings and accurately track population trends.

The surveys utilize a “mark-recapture” technique combined with statistical analyses to estimate population size. Each spring, baited setlines (lines with multiple baited hooks) are used to capture sturgeon. The fish are then measured, scanned for existing tags, tagged if necessary, and then released. In the fall, the number of tagged sturgeon that are recaptured is compared to the number of untagged sturgeon caught, allowing scientists to estimate the overall population size.

In addition to providing an estimate of fish between 40-60 inches, the new survey method caught a greater size range of fish, allowing CDFW to estimate the abundance of a broader segment of the population than in the past. Based on the new methods, 19,000 white sturgeon between 10-87 inches fork length (the length from the tip of the snout to the fork in the tail) are estimated to be in California.

Based on historical surveys conducted by CDFW between 1954–2022, the number of white sturgeon in California has been in decline for many years. The species is currently a candidate for listing as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) and receives full CESA protection while its status is reviewed. Sturgeon fishing is now limited to catch-and-release only with protective seasons, fishing areas and handling restrictions.

At its Aug. 13 meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission is expected to consider whether to continue recreational catch-and-release regulations for white sturgeon. These regulations have been discussed in public meetings with opportunity for public comment.

To read the full sturgeon survey report download the document. To learn more about conservation efforts for this prehistoric species, visit wildlife.ca.gov/Conserve-the-Sturg.

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Media Contacts:
Jay Rowan, CDFW Fisheries Branch, (916) 212-3164
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714

Limited Chinook Sport Fishing to Reopen in 3 Central Valley Rivers

Tue, 20 May 2025 11:51:38 GMT

Klamath River Basin and Mainstem Sacramento River to Remain Closed to Chinook Fishing

While low Chinook salmon counts have called for the continued closure of Chinook salmon fishing in the Klamath River Basin and mainstem Sacramento River, Chinook fishing opportunities will be allowed in three inland Central Valley rivers for the first time in two years.

At its May 14 meeting in Sacramento, the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) unanimously adopted sport fishing regulations for the 2025 season, opening limited Chinook salmon fishing on sections of the Mokelumne, Feather and American rivers, within adjusted seasons and a daily bag limit of one fish. The Sacramento River and Klamath River Basin and its tributaries will remain closed to protect those stocks.

“I’m happy to see some Chinook salmon fishing opportunity brought back in Central Valley rivers,” said Jay Rowan, Fisheries Branch Chief. “Increased hatchery production and a few good water years have led to a rebound in some of the key Central Valley salmon tributaries, which is encouraging to see.”

The regulations are expected to take effect on July 1, 2025, for the Klamath River Basin and July 15, 2025, for the sections of the Mokelumne, Feather and American rivers.

More information about 2025 sport fishing regulations for Chinook salmon can be found in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s presentation to the Commission. (PDF)

Salmon stocks in California continue to be impacted by ongoing issues associated with multi-year droughts and climate disruption, including poor in-river spawning and migration conditions, ocean forage shifts, thiamine deficiency and other factors that have reduced adult abundance. The closures on the Klamath Basin and mainstem Sacramento River aim to help salmon populations rebound from these challenges.

The Commission also adopted a second 90-day extension of emergency regulations for the recreational take of white sturgeon in inland and ocean waters. The fishery is restricted to catch and release while undergoing review as part of its California Endangered Species Act candidacy.

Commission President Erika Zavaleta, Vice President Samantha Murray and commissioners Eric Sklar and Darius Anderson participated virtually in the teleconference meeting; Commissioner Jacque Hostler-Carmesin was absent.

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 Commission’s June meeting will be held at the East End Complex Auditorium, 1500 Capitol Ave., Sacramento. Participants are expected to have options to participate via Zoom or by phone; for the agenda and more information visit the Commission website.

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

California Fish and Game Commission Adopts Emergency Regulations for Commercial Coonstripe Shrimp Fishery, Approves New EFP in Dungeness Fishery

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 16:23:00 GMT

The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) adopted emergency regulations for the commercial coonstripe shrimp fishery and approved an experimental fishing permit (EFP) to test longlining gear in the Dungeness fishery, among other action affecting California’s natural resources at its February 12 - 13 meeting in Sacramento.

Emergency regulations were adopted for the commercial coonstripe shrimp (Pandalus danae) fishery to reduce the risk of whale entanglements in fishing gear.

The emergency regulations establish a management boundary at the Sonoma-Mendocino County border, a maximum depth limit of 30 fathoms for the northern fishery, a limit on the number of traps per ground line, a limit on vertical lines per vessel and a new control date of February 13, 2025. The control date may be used to determine future participation in the fishery; 14 vessels participated in the fishery in 2024, reporting a catch of almost 150,000 pounds.

The Commission approved an EFP application to test longlining gear in the California Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) fishery. This EFP would take place in spring and utilize a modified configuration of multiple traps connected by a groundline that is retrieved by a grapple, eliminating vertical lines that pose the risk of whale entanglement without use of pop-up gear. The EFP allows for up to 40 participating vessels while limiting the number of traps per vessel, traps per groundline and setting a seven-day trap service interval.

The Commission also approved a major amendment request to expand an experimental fishing permit testing pop-up fishing systems in the California Dungeness crab fishery. The maximum number of vessels that can be authorized to participate in the EFP was expanded from 10 to 40, with increases in the allowed number of traps per trawl and total per-trip traps, depending on a vessel permit’s trap tier; the trap service interval was also increased from four to seven days.

Commissioners approved CDFW’s request for a six-month extension to deliver the status review report on the petition to list white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) as threatened under CESA.

The extension is needed to further analyze and evaluate available science, undergo the peer review process, and complete the species’ status review report. CDFW anticipates receiving substantial comments and scientific information from tribes, stakeholders and other interested parties. The extension will also provide a minimum of 30 days for public review. The Commission must receive CDFW’s status review report, now due January 12, 2026, before making a final CESA listing decision.

After receiving a presentation on the development of the draft Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan, commissioners discussed the draft plan that will be back to the Commission at its April meeting for further discussion before potential approval in June, as called for in the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act.

Established in 1870, the Commission marks its 155th year in 2025; it was one of the first wildlife conservation agencies in the U.S.

In the first meeting of the new year, Commissioner Erika Zavaleta was elected Commission president and Commissioner Samantha Murray vice president, swapping their 2024 posts in 2025.

The Commission moved to retain the past year’s Marine Resources, Wildlife Resources and Tribal Committee assignments — Murray and Commissioner Eric Sklar will continue to serve on the Marine Resources Committee, Zavaleta and Commissioner Darius Anderson on the Wildlife Resources Committee and Commissioner Jacque Hostler-Carmesin on the Tribal Committee.

Commission President Zavaleta, Vice President Murray and commissioners Sklar and Anderson participated in person, with Commission and department staff present throughout the meeting. Hostler-Carmesin was not in attendance for the first day of the meeting but was in attendance for the morning portion of 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 April 16 - 17, 2025. Participants can attend via Zoom, by phone or in person, with the specific location still to be determined. Once the meeting location has been determined, it will be posted to the Commission website.

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

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