In-season, lobster operator permit holders can retrieve up to six lost or derelict traps per fishing trip with a dated note (electronic or written) from the trap owner authorizing their retrieval. The note must contain the commercial fishing license identification of the trap owner. Lobsters within the retrieved traps must be released, and the lobster operator permit holder (retriever) must document the circumstances and details surrounding a retrieval. Any traps retrieved under the authorization of a note cannot be redeployed by the retriever.
From 15 days after the close of the season through September 15, an unlimited number of lobster traps may be retrieved by a lobster operator permit holder or a CDFW designee and transported to shore. Lobster traps not retrieved 14 days after the close of the commercial lobster season will be considered abandoned.