News Archive

CDFW is continuing the temporary recreational crab trap restriction from the Sonoma/Mendocino county line to Lopez Point, Monterey County, (Fishing Zones 3 and 4) due to the presence of humpback whales and the potential for entanglement of humpback whales and leatherback sea turtles with trap gear.

After years of discussion, CDFW will transfer 40-plus acres of the historic Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery in Inyo County to the Fort Independence Indian Community which is recognized as one distinct separate tribal government of the four Owens Valley Paiute Tribes.

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.