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Nearshore Fishery Trap Endorsement Transfer Provisions

Effective April 1, 2018, pursuant to Section 150.03(d)(2), Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), a Nearshore Fishery Trap Endorsement (NFTE) may be transferred to another commercial fisherman with a valid transferable Nearshore Fishery Permit (NFP) for the same regional management area, subject to the conditions listed below.

General Provisions

  • A valid transferable NFTE may be transferred by the permit holder or the permit holder's estate to a licensed California commercial fisherman, if the permit holder has no pending Fish and Wildlife violations, suspension or revocation that would affect the status of the endorsement.
  • The transferee must have a valid transferable NFP for the same regional management area, and a valid General Trap Permit.
  • The valid transferable NFTE shall be transferred for use in the same regional management area listed on the endorsement.
  • Upon the death of the person with a valid nontransferable NFTE, the endorsement shall become null and void and the estate shall immediately surrender the permit to the Department's License and Revenue Branch. (Section 150.03(d)(6), Title 14, CCR). 

Required Documentation

  • Original notarized Nearshore Fishery Permit and Nearshore Fishery Trap Endorsement Transfer Application.
  • The original valid transferable NFTE.
  • A copy of the proposed permit holder's valid NFP and General Trap Permit.
  • Nonrefundable NFTE transfer fee of $75.00.

Death of the Permittee

  • Upon the of the death of a person with a valid transferable NFTE, that person's estate shall immediately, temporarily relinquish the NFTE to the Department's License and Revenue Branch. The estate may renew the NFTE if needed to keep it valid for the purpose of transfer.
  • The estate of the decedent may transfer the transferrable NFTE not later than two years from the date of death of the permit holder as listed on the death certificate, pursuant to Section 150.03(d)(3), Title 14, of the CCR.

Additional Required Documentation needed upon the Death of the Permittee

  • Original notarized Nearshore Fishery Permit and Neashore Fishery Trap Endorsement Transfer Application.
  • A court document naming the executor/executrix of the estate of the deceased permit holder or other evidence that the person signing the transfer application is an authorized representative of the deceased. 
  • Copy of the death certificate of the permit holder.

FGC Section 8102, allows for the transfer of a limited entry commercial fishing permit, provided a working partner is a spouse, child, or sibling of the permittee. A working partner is also defined as a person who can prove an investment or equity in the vessel or gear used in the fishery who would otherwise have been eligible for a permit but did not obtain one because he or she was working with or was a partner with the permittee. The working partner shall provide substantial evidence of an actual physical working participation aboard the vessel supported by copies of trip settlement sheets and of logbooks.

Mail documents and transfer fee to:

California Department of Fish and Wildlife
License and Revenue Branch
1740 N. Market Blvd.
Sacramento, California 95834

Evaluation of the transfer request Evaluation of the transfer request will take approximately 20 business days after receipt by the License and Revenue Branch provided additional documentation is not required. If approved, a letter authorizing the transfer will be sent to the permit holder and transferee with instructions on the process for completing the transfer.

Appeal Provisions and Deadlines

If disapproved, CDFW will notify the permit holder in writing, explaining the reason for denial. Pursuant to Section 150.03(h)(3), any applicant who is denied transfer of a NFTE may appeal to the Fish and Game Commission within 60 days of the date of CDFW’s denial.

Please contact Ms. Debbie Noriega, Commercial Fishing License Analyst, at the License and Revenue Branch, (916) 928-5817 or Debbie.Noriega@wildlife.ca.gov, if you have any further questions or require additional assistance.