News Archive

CDFW is continuing the temporary recreational crab trap restriction from the Sonoma/Mendocino county line to Lopez Point (Fishing Zones 3 and 4) and expanding the restriction to the California/Oregon state line to Cape Mendocino (Fishing Zone 1) due to presence of humpback whales and the potential for entanglement from trap gear. The recreational trap restriction for Fishing Zone 1 will go into effect on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, at 6 p.m. and continue in Zones 1, 3 and 4 until at least the next risk assessment.

During its Oct. 12 meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission adopted recommendations from the CDFW to revoke the commercial fishing licenses of two Southern California commercial fishermen, Michael Volaski and Arthur Esparza.

The CDFW Director has closed the recreational razor clam fishery in Del Norte County following a recommendation from state health agencies that the consumption of razor clams in the area poses a significant threat for domoic acid exposure.

At its October 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 San Jose and Trinidad, with an option for the public to join via Zoom.

CDFW and partners have confirmed the presence of New Zealand mudsnails (NZMS) at Warm Springs Fish Hatchery near Lake Sonoma. While NZMS have been detected in other portions of the watershed, this is the first confirmed detection at Warm Springs Hatchery.