Recreational Regulations: Focus on Invertebrates

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

The DFG is primarily responsible for management of fishery resources within state waters. The DFG 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 fishing regulation information that applies to marine invertebrates:

General

• California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations Map
  Up-to-date fishing regulations by area, including regulations for invertebrates
• Measurement Methods
  Measurement methods for lobsters, crabs, and clams
• Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations, including those for invertebrates
  • 2012-2013 Regulations (effective March 1, 2012)
  • 2011-2012 Regulations

California Spiny Lobster

• California Spiny Lobster Frequently Asked Questions
  Answers many common questions about lobster fishing
• California Spiny Lobster Informational Brochure: California Spiny Lobster: Fishing and Life History Information
  An informational brochure on lobster biology, regulations, and fishing
• News Articles
  Previously published information concerning spiny lobster regulatory requirements
  • Two San Diego Lobster Poachers Sentenced to Jail Time
    DFG News Release (2009)

Kellet's Whelk

• Kellet's Whelk: Recreational fishing regulations

Red Abalone

• Fort Ross Red Abalone Closure Map
  New regulations (Section 29.15(b)(1)) effective March 1, 2012
• Abalone Enforcement Activities (2005)
  Summarizes DFG's abalone enforcement activities
• Abalone Informational Brochure: You Hold Their Future in Your Hands
  Brochure that describes picking methods, regulations, and biology
• Demonstration Video: New Abalone Regulations (2008)*
  Demonstrates how to comply with new abalone regulations
• Red Abalone Frequently Asked Questions
  Frequently asked questions about red abalone regulations and more
• News Articles
  Previously published information about red abalone regulatory requirements
  • Abalone fishing season opens April 1 north of San Francisco Bay*
    DFG News Release (2009) - Season opener announcement, including updated abalone regulations
  • Wardens Arrest Five in Alleged Abalone Poaching Case*
    DFG News Release (2009)
  • Poachers Threaten Monterey's Endangered Black Abalone*
    DFG News Release (2009)
  • California Outdoors Q&A (October 30, 2008)*
    Explains why it is unlawful to only possess a gauge larger than 7 inches when taking abalone