Statewide Bear Harvest Cap Remains at 1,700; Public Discussion on MPA Petitions to Continue at Upcoming Regional Meetings
The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) adopted amendments to black bear hunting regulations at its April 15-16 meeting, raising the bear harvest limit to two. The Commission also heard the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) presentation on its evaluation of 10 petitions proposing modifications to or creation of new marine protected areas (MPA). CDFW evaluated the petitions based on the best available science and using the Commission-approved MPA petition evaluation framework, recommending the Commission deny the petitions or grant in concept while offering non-regulatory pathways to achieve some of the petitioned goals.
In addition to action allowing up to two bear hunting license tags in a year, the Commission adopted regulation amendments redefining hunt area boundaries to include the entirety of Lassen and Modoc counties. No change was proposed to the 1,700-bear harvest threshold that was last reached in 2012, and if reached this year, would close the season. CDFW scientists expect the regulation changes to result in the take of 100 to 200 more bears each season out of a population estimated at about 60,000 across the state’s bear habitats.
MPA Petitions
The 10 MPA petitions before commissioners last week are among 20 received in 2023; five of those the Commission has acted on, while evaluations are in development for the other five that are tribally led or co-led.
The 10 MPA petitions propose actions that aim to protect kelp, eelgrass and other habitats and species through regulatory changes, including fishing restrictions and MPA boundary expansion. Other petitions propose regulatory changes to open MPA waters to certain recreational or commercial fisheries.
CDFW’s evaluations and recommendations regarding the 10 MPA petitions, along with public comment thus far received by the Commission, lay the foundation for public dialogue that will be facilitated through three regional meetings April 21 in San Mateo, May 5-6 in Goleta and May 19 in San Clemente. For more information about those meetings, visit the Commission website; the MPA petitions are available online.
Central Valley and Klamath River Basin Sportfishing Regulations
CDFW staff presented recommendations on amendments to Central Valley and Klamath River Basin sportfishing regulations. Those presentations are available to be viewed online. The Commission is slated to make a decision on the proposed amendments at a May 6 adoption hearing.
CESA Candidacy
Songbirds LeConte’s thrasher and Bendire’s thrasher were named California Endangered Species Act candidate species and will undergo a one-year species status review. The Commission found sufficient information that listing the birds as either threatened or endangered may be warranted due to declining populations as a result of threats, including habitat loss, disease and climate change. The thrashers are native to the American Southwest; some 4,400 adult Bendire’s thrashers and 37,000 adult LeConte’s thrashers are estimated to inhabit California.
The Commission also considered CESA candidacy for the western spadefoot frog that faces threats, including loss of habitat and habitat connectivity and climate change. Petitioner Center for Biological Diversity and the Large-scale Solar Association requested the matter be continued to allow more time for environmental advocates and the solar industry to collaborate on proposing exceptions to CESA protections that would be allowed under Fish and Game Code Section 2084. The Commissioners granted the request, pushing western spadefoot CESA candidacy consideration to its June meeting.
Meeting Participation and Next Meeting
Commission President Eric Sklar, Vice President Darius Anderson and Commissioners Jacque Hostler-Carmesin, Samantha Murray and Erica Zavaleta were in attendance for both days of the April Commission meeting held in Sacramento.
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 regularly scheduled meeting of the Commission is scheduled for June 17-18, 2026, at the California Natural Resources Agency building in Sacramento. Participants are encouraged to attend in person, with options available for Zoom or phone; for more information visit the Commission website.
The Commission authorized public notice of upcoming potential regulation changes related to:
Inland and marine sport fishing regulations: A discussion hearing is scheduled for June 17-18 and an adoption hearing Aug. 12-13 on proposed inland and marine sport fishing regulations. The proposed amendments are related to fishing gear, measuring and sampling restrictions, changes to low-flow fishing regulations and steelhead fishing report and restoration cards. The proposed amendments also involve increased fishing opportunities and protective changes for vulnerable fish populations.
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Media Contacts:
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
Jen Benedet, CDFW Communications, (916) 202-4465