Management of Recreational Invertebrate Fisheries

Abalone | Bivalves | California Spiny Lobster | Crab

Note: Links with an asterisk (*) lead to pages outside the CDFW Marine Region website.

The CDFW is primarily responsible for management of fishery resources within state waters. The CDFW formulates general state programs and policies concerning management and conservation of fish and invertebrate resources and establishes seasons, methods and limits for harvest. In California, this is done in concert with the governor-appointed California Fish and Game Commission and in cooperation with the State legislature for those species not managed exclusively by the Commission.

The following links lead to California recreational fishery management information for marine invertebrates:

Abalone

• Abalone Recovery and Management Plan
  CDFW's Abalone Recovery and Management Plan, mandated by Fish and Game Code Section 5522
• Abalone Report Card Data and Information
• California Abalone Information
  Discusses abalone population concerns, biology, fisheries, mortality of undersized abalone, report card returns, and the Abalone Recovery and Management Plan
• California's Living Marine Resources - A Status Report: Abalone (2001)
  An in-depth status report on the five major species of abalone found in California's ocean waters, with historic landings data
• Marine Protected Areas in Central California and Potential Benefits to Selected Species: Abalone*
  An overview of abalone status of the population, home range/migratory patterns, current regulations, and how central California MPAs may affect the species
• Recreational Abalone Advisory Committee
  Information about the committee established in 1997 by Governor Pete Wilson that reviews proposals and recommends projects and budgets for the expenditure of fees received pursuant to Code Section 7149.8
• Status of the Fisheries Report: Abalones (2003)
• Magazine and Newsletter Articles
  • Surveying for Abalone: Fish and Game Divers Survey the Ocean Floor for the Diminishing Species
    Outdoor California, May/ June 2009 - Feature article about the Invertebrate Management Team's abalone dive surveys
  • Abapalooza: The 2006 San Miguel Island Abalone Survey
    Marine Management News, May 2007

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Bivalves

• California's Living Marine Resources - A Status Report (2001)
  Details the history, biology and fishery for the following species
  • Gaper Clams
  • Geoduck Clam
  • Littleneck Clams
  • Pacific Razor Clam
  • Pismo Clam
  • Rock Scallop
  • Washington Clams
• California's Living Marine Resources - A Status Report: Bay and Estuarine Invertebrate Resources Overview (2001)
  Details California's coastal clam resources and the threats they face
• Magazine and Newsletter Articles
  • CDFW Begins Pismo Clam Sampling in Central and Southern California
    Marine Management News, January 2009

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California Spiny Lobster

• Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan (in progress)
• California's Living Marine Resources - A Status Report: California Spiny Lobster (2001)
  An in depth status report on the California spiny lobster, with historic landings data
• A Comparison of Catch Rate Between a Traditional, Basket-Style Hoop Net and a Rigid, Conical-Style Hoop Net Used in the California Recreational Lobster Fishery
  California Fish and Game Quarterly 94(4):53-61. 2008
• Marine Protected Areas in Central California and Potential Benefits to Selected Species: Spiny Lobster
  An overview of California spiny lobster status of the population, home range/ migratory patterns, current regulations, and how central California MPAs may affect the species
• Sport Lobster Intercept Survey (2007)
  Final report on the recreational lobster fishing survey conducted in Fall, 2007
• Status of the Fisheries Report: California Spiny Lobster (2003)
  Details the history, biology, and fishery for the California spiny lobster
• Spiny Lobster Stock Assessment
• Top 12 Locations (Report Card Sites) for Recreational Spiny Lobster Catch, 2008-2009
• Magazine and Newsletter Articles
  • CDFW Improves Recreational Spiny Lobster Fishery Monitoring and Outreach
    Marine Management News, January 2009 - Details CDFW's recreational lobster fishing research efforts

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Crab

• California's Living Marine Resources - A Status Report (2001)
  Details the history, biology and fishery for the following species
  • Dungeness crab
  • Rock crab
  • Sand crab
  • Sheep crab
• Status of the Fisheries Report (2003)
  Overview of the fisheries through 2002 with historical references for the following species
  • Dungeness crab
  • Sheep crab
• Dungeness Crab Task Force*
  website of the Dungeness Crab Task Force, a group established and administered by the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC), and whose direction is to review and evaluate Dungeness crab fishery management