Nets For Particular Varieties Of Fish - Nets - Fish And Game Code - CA

Section § 8623

This law makes it illegal to use purse seines or round haul nets for catching yellowtail, barracuda, or white sea bass. Boats with these nets can't have these fish unless they were caught south of the US-Mexico border and imported under specific regulations. Gill nets with specific mesh sizes are allowed for catching these fish: 3.5 inches for yellowtail and barracuda, and 6 inches for white sea bass.

There are limits on how many white sea bass can be caught with gill or trammel nets with 3.5 to 6-inch meshes from June 16 to March 14. Only 20% of the catch can be white sea bass, with a maximum of 10 per load. There are exceptions for commercial fishermen who can get permits to use bait nets for their own bait.

(a) It is unlawful to use any purse seine or round haul net to take yellowtail, barracuda, or white sea bass.

(b) It is unlawful to possess any yellowtail, barracuda, or white sea bass, except those taken south of the international boundary between the United States and Mexico, and imported into the state under regulations of the commission as provided in Section 2362, on any boat carrying or using any purse seine or round haul net, including, but not limited to, a bait net as described in Section 8780.

(d) Gill nets with meshes of a minimum length of six inches may be used to take white sea bass; however, during the period from June 16 to March 14, inclusive, not more than 20 percent by number of a load of fish may be white seabass 28 inches or more in total length, up to a maximum of 10 white seabass per load, if taken in gill nets or trammel nets with meshes from 3¹/₂ to 6 inches in length.

(e) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), the department may issue permits to hook and line commercial fishermen to possess a bona fide bait net on their vessels for the purpose of taking bait for their own use only.

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Section § 8625

This law specifies the rules for using gill nets and trammel nets to catch California halibut. It allows the use of nets with a mesh size of at least 8.5 inches. Generally, you can fish with up to 1,500 fathoms (9,000 feet) of nets from one vessel each day. However, in certain ocean areas around Santa Barbara County, the limit is reduced to 1,000 fathoms (6,000 feet) of nets per day.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this code, set gill nets and trammel nets with mesh size of not less than 8¹/₂ inches may be used to take California halibut.

(b) Except as provided in subdivision (c), not more than 1,500 fathoms (9,000 feet) of gill net or trammel net shall be fished in combination each day for California halibut from any vessel in ocean waters.

(c) Not more than 1,000 fathoms (6,000 feet) of gill net or trammel net shall be fished in combination each day for California halibut from any vessel in ocean waters between a line extending due west magnetic from Point Arguello in Santa Barbara County and a line extending 172° magnetic from Rincon Point in Santa Barbara County to San Pedro Point at the east end of Santa Cruz Island in Santa Barbara County, then extending southwesterly 188° magnetic from San Pedro Point on Santa Cruz Island.

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Section § 8626

This law allows for a reduction in the minimum mesh size of nets used to catch California halibut in certain areas south of the Los Angeles and Ventura county line. Normally, the mesh size must be at least 8.5 inches, but under certain conditions, it can be reduced to 8 inches.

If, before October 1, 1990, it is found that halibut catches in that area have dropped by 10% or more compared to the previous year, the department has to study the impact of this rule on the fishery. This includes examining data from different counties and monitoring fishery practices.

If the decline is linked to the 8.5-inch mesh size, a public hearing will be held to gather opinions before any changes are made to the net size restrictions.

(a) Notwithstanding Section 8625, and where consistent with the determination made pursuant to subdivisions (b) and (c), the director may reduce the minimum mesh size permitted for gill and trammel nets used to take California halibut from 8¹/₂ inches to not less than 8 inches in any or all areas south of a line extending 240° magnetic from the boundary line between the Counties of Los Angeles and Ventura.

(b) If, on or before October 1, 1990, the department determines that commercial landings of California halibut taken south of the line extending 240° magnetic from the boundary line between the Counties of Los Angeles and Ventura in the period between September 1, 1989, and August 31, 1990, decline by 10 percent or more compared with landings of California halibut taken in this area during the period between September 1, 1988, and August 31, 1989, the department shall assess the impact of the 8¹/₂ inch minimum mesh size restriction on the California halibut fishery in the area described in subdivision (a). The assessment shall include, but is not limited to, an analysis of landing data, including landings of California halibut in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties, the age and size composition of the catch, and the department’s monitoring at sea of the gill and trammel net fishery.

(c) If the department determines that the 8¹/₂ inch minimum mesh size, established pursuant to Section 8625 has directly resulted in a decline of 10 percent or more in landings of California halibut south of the line extending 240° magnetic from the boundary between the Counties of Los Angeles and Ventura, the director shall hold a public hearing in the area affected to make findings and take public testimony prior to taking any action pursuant to subdivision (a).

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