On Wednesday, the California Fish and Game Commission decided to keep the state recreational abalone fishery closed through April in order to give the shellfish population a chance to bounce back. During a meeting in Oceanside San Diego County , the commission based its decision on low density surveys — a tool used by biologists to measure the health of the abalone population — from key sites along the North Coast.
The season is usually open from April to November for recreational fishing north of the Golden Gate, but has been limited in recent years and was closed completely this year. The struggling red abalone and dwindling kelp forest on the Northern California coast are prime examples of how warming oceans are hurting the coastal ecosystem, economy and culture. Mastrup said that despite the low abalone density, biologists and fishermen who monitor the situation are starting to see renewed kelp growth in a few sites.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife recommended that the fishery remain closed to allow the population to recover while it prepares a new management plan. In , the season was shortened by two months, to May to October instead of the usual April-to-November season. Between and , the average take of abalone north of the Golden Gate was estimated at , annually, according to the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Earlier this year, the Fish and Game Commission changed the rules to allow recreational divers to take up to 20 gallons of purple sea urchins a day from the waters off of Sonoma and Mendocino to see if that would aid in the recovery of the bull kelp and abalone.
In one case, experienced divers used a vacuum device to suck the creatures from the ocean floor. A group of avid abalone divers, who monitor the different fishery regulations with the closeness of sports fans following a favorite team, have generally expressed support for the continued closure, but some have suggested that a small number be allowed to fish to continue collecting data — and to keep the sport alive. Find directions purchasing a tag online or from a license vendor, for redeeming your Sports Pac voucher , and purchasing a Marine Zone.
Oregon shellfish regulations. December 6, Use chemicals to take fish, shellfish or marine invertebrates. Sell any sport caught fish or shellfish, except the skeletal remains of nongame marine fish. Mutilated crabs may not be transported across state waters. Information must include the owners first and last name or business name, and at least one of the following: a permanent address, b phone number, c ODFW ID number, or d a vessel ID number.
This rule does not apply when crabbing from a beach, jetty or pier. Red rock crab 24 of any size or sex Oysters No harvest allowed. Take of native oysters is prohibited. All cultured oysters are private property and may not be taken without owner's consent.
Mussels 72 May be taken by hand or hand-powered tools. However, she said she expects to fill up this season due to the pent-up demand caused by the pandemic. The Mendocino Tourism Commission said it also expects local parks to reach capacity this summer. By Michelle Blackwell Correspondent. Divers enter the water at Van Damme State Beach. More in News.
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