The terms “compensation fishing,” “conservation engineering,” and “exploratory fishing” are defined in Fish and Game Code Section 1022, subdivision (h).
Compensation fishing allows fish to be retained (for recreational or commercial fishing purposes) and sold (commercial fishing license required) as part of the authorized EFP activity. The location, time, and type and maximum amount (weight or number) of fish that may be taken under an EFP where compensation is authorized will be specified under the permit special conditions.
Conservation engineering allows for the development and testing of new fishing gear and techniques or assessment of existing fishing gear or techniques applied in novel ways. Fish taken under this authorization are subject to applicable laws and regulations, unless otherwise specified under the special conditions of the EFP.
Exploratory fishing allows for data collection or other research to assess the sustainability and feasibility of future commercial or recreational fisheries (e.g., potential opening of a new fishery or an area currently closed to fishing). Tier 3 and 4 permits that allow exploratory fishing may include other authorized purposes, such as compensation fishing and/or conservation engineering.