This section declares that the official name for this collection of laws is the Fish and Game Code.

This section states that the definitions found in this chapter should be used to understand and interpret the rules in this code, unless a specific provision or the situation requires a different interpretation.

This law section states that if any part of the Family Code is similar to existing laws, it should be seen as a continuation of the old laws, not as something new. It also ensures that any rights or privileges people had before the new code comes into effect will still be honored.

This law says that when a specific part of this code or any other California law is mentioned, it includes any changes or additions that have been or will be made to it.

This law says that if a public officer is given a responsibility or power, they can have someone else, like a deputy or an authorized person, carry out that task or use that power. However, this is only allowed if there's nothing in the law that says the officer must do it personally.

When a statement or report must be made, it has to be in English. However, the department can offer an unofficial translation in other languages if needed.

This law means that when reading legal texts, words in one tense can also apply to actions or situations in the past or future. So, if something is written in the present tense, it might also refer to past and future events, and vice versa.

This section states that whenever a law refers to men, it also includes women and other gender-neutral categories. In other words, any legal terms traditionally using male pronouns or descriptions should be interpreted to apply to all genders.

This law clarifies that when California legal language mentions a 'spouse,' it also means a 'registered domestic partner,' ensuring equal treatment under the law.

This rule means that if a law uses a word in its singular form, it also applies to multiple things, and vice versa. Basically, don't worry too much about whether the word is for one thing or many; it should cover both situations.

This law section explains that when a time frame is mentioned for doing an action between two dates, both the start and end dates are included. So, for example, if an action needs to happen between January 1 and January 10, both January 1 and January 10 count as part of the period. Also, these time frames won't be longer than a year unless it specifically says so.

In any law, if you come across the terms "Fish Commission Fund" or "Game Preservation Fund," they both actually refer to the "Fish and Game Preservation Fund." This means these terms are interchangeable and essentially mean the same thing.

This law states that if someone needs to receive a formal notice or written communication as required by this code or its rules, it's considered sufficient if it's sent by regular mail (first-class) to the most recent address that person provided to the department.

The communication doesn't need to follow additional requirements unless another law specifies otherwise.

Adaptive management involves updating the way we manage biological resources based on new information we gather over time. It allows us to adapt and change our strategies to better meet conservation and management goals. Essentially, it's about learning from what we do so we can do it better in the future.

This law defines 'anadromous fish' as fish that are born in fresh water, migrate to the ocean for part of their lives, and then return to fresh water to reproduce.

This section defines 'angling' as fishing with a hook and line, either held directly by hand or attached to a pole or rod that you closely attend or hold. The key part is that the fish must willingly take the bait or lure into its mouth.

In this context, 'affix' refers to either physically attaching something to a document or adding an electronic validation to a license document.

This section defines 'aquaculture' as a type of farming focused on breeding and growing water-based plants and animals for human use in saltwater, brackish, and freshwater settings. However, it excludes the cultivation of decorative ocean and freshwater plants and animals that are kept in closed systems for personal use, pets, or hobbies, provided they are not used for food or bait. Despite this exclusion, these ornamental species are still regulated under a specified chapter of rules.

The term 'bag limit' refers to the highest number or amount of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, or amphibians that one person is allowed to legally capture or hunt within a certain period.

In California Fish and Game regulations, the term 'possession limit' refers to the highest number or quantity of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, or amphibians that a person can legally have at one time.

This law section defines the term “bird” specifically as a wild bird or any part of a wild bird.

This law defines 'chumming' as putting food or materials that fish eat into the water to attract them to a certain spot so they can be caught.

"Closed season" refers to the time when it is illegal to hunt or capture birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, or reptiles.

This section defines what is meant by the terms "Commission" and "commissioner." Here, "Commission" refers to the Fish and Game Commission, and "commissioner" refers to a member of this commission.

This law clarifies that when you come across the term "county" in this context, it also covers both individual cities and combined city-counties.

"Credible science" refers to using the most reliable and current scientific information available. This information should not be overly rigid, as science is always changing. It should include key evaluation principles like relevance, inclusiveness, objectivity, and transparency. Additionally, it involves being timely, verified, validated, and peer-reviewed as needed. Credible science acknowledges that management approaches should adapt as scientific knowledge grows and changes.

This law section defines the terms "day" and "week" as referring to calendar days and calendar weeks.

This section simply clarifies that whenever the term 'Department' is used, it specifically refers to the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

In this context, the term "Director" refers to the Director of Fish and Wildlife.

This section defines the term "district" as referring specifically to a fish and game district.

This section defines "ecosystem-based management" as an approach to managing the environment that uses reliable scientific data. It focuses on understanding all the interactions within an ecosystem, including the role of humans, rather than looking at individual species or environmental issues separately.

This law defines the term "fish" to include not only wild fish but also mollusks, crustaceans, invertebrates, amphibians, and any parts, spawn, or eggs of these animals.

A "guide boat" is a small boat, less than 25 feet long, used by a licensed guide in inland waters for activities such as guiding tours, helping someone catch fish or amphibians, or locating birds or mammals, usually in exchange for payment.

This section defines different types of fishing hooks. A 'single hook' has one point, a 'double hook' has two, and a 'treble' or 'triple hook' has three, all of which may or may not have barbs. It also describes 'snag' or 'gaff' hooks as tools used to catch fish by physically impaling them, rather than being taken into the fish's mouth voluntarily.

This section defines 'kelp' as including not just kelp itself but also other marine aquatic plants and their seeds.

This law defines "mammal" to include wild or feral mammals or parts of them, except for wild, feral, or undomesticated burros.

This section defines 'marine finfish aquaculture' as the breeding, growing, or caring for finfish species in the Pacific Ocean waters that fall under state regulation.

This section defines what 'mile' means and specifies when to use different types. A statute mile, which is 5,280 feet, is used for measuring distances on land and in inland waters. A nautical mile, which is 6,077 feet, is used for marine waters.

This law defines a "net" as any tool made from various materials, such as twine, thread, or rope, that is used for catching or trapping fish by gilling, entangling, or impounding them.

This section defines what "nonresident" means, specifically referring to someone who doesn't meet the criteria of a resident as outlined in another section, Section 70.

This section explains that in the context of this law, whenever someone refers to an 'oath,' it also covers affirmations. This means both sworn oaths and solemn affirmations are considered equivalent.

Ocean ranching is a type of fish farming. It involves raising young anadromous fish in captivity, then releasing them into state waters. These fish grow up and eventually return to the aquaculture facility where they can be caught and sold for profit.

"Open season" refers to the time when you can legally hunt or catch birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, or amphibians, as determined by this code and the regulations set by the commission. If the law mentions "season" in this context, it means "open season."

This section states that the terms "order," "rule," and "regulation" can be used interchangeably. Each term includes the meaning of the other terms.

This section defines the term "person" to include not only individual human beings but also businesses and organizations like partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, trusts, and other associations.

This section of the Family Code states that in this context, 'purchase' is simply another way of saying 'buy,' as explained in another legal section, specifically Section 24.

To be considered a "resident" in California under this law, you must have lived there continuously for at least six months before applying for a license or permit. Additionally, active military members and those in the Job Corps also qualify as residents regardless of their living situation.

This section defines two terms. A "Section" refers to a section within this particular legal code unless another law is specified. A "Subdivision" refers to a specific part within the same section unless another section is clearly mentioned.

This section defines the term 'sell' to not just mean selling something directly for money, but also includes offering, possessing with intent to sell, bartering, exchanging, or trading items.

This legal section clarifies the meaning of two words often used in laws. "Shall" means you must do something, while "may" means you have the option to do it but it's not required.

This law states that if a rule in this code applies to an entire animal, it also applies to any part of that animal, unless it's specified otherwise in the rule or context.

If a person can't write their name, they can sign a document by making a mark. A witness must write the person's name near the mark and add their own name. For a mark to be recognized as a signature on official or sworn documents, two witnesses need to sign as well.

This law defines a 'slurp gun' as a tool you hold in your hand to catch fish. It works by quickly sucking water, along with any fish in it, into a chamber that is closed off.

The term "take" refers to any action where someone tries to hunt, catch, or kill an animal, or even just attempts these activities.

In this context, "transport" isn't just about physically moving something. It also includes situations where an offer is made to transport or when transport is received.

This law section defines "recycled water" or "reclaimed water" to mean the same thing as the definition provided in a specific part of the Water Code.

This law clarifies that the terms "waters of the state," "waters of this state," and "state waters" are all defined the same way as in another specific section of the Water Code.

This law defines "wildlife" to include all types of wild animals, birds, plants, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. It also includes their ecological communities and habitats, which are essential for their survival.